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Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today questioned the use of a government emblem on a stone installed at a religious site, terming it “unnecessary” and an affront to public sentiment.Omar was reacting to an incident where a group of worshippers allegedly defaced the inauguration plaque bearing the National Emblem of India at Srinagar’s revered Hazratbal shrine. BJP leader and Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board Darakhshan Andrabi called it “terrorism” and demanded an FIR against the accused.

“First of all, the question is whether the stone should have had an emblem or not. I have never seen such an emblem being used in any religious institution or function. So what was the compulsion to use an emblem on this stone?” Omar asked.

Citing the example of Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, who shaped the Dargah Hazratbal without putting any commemorative stone, Omar said, “Even today, people remember his work, despite the fact that he did not put a stone of his name there. If the work is right, people themselves recognize it. There was no need to put a stone.”

When asked about J&K Waqf Board Chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi warning that the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) should be invoked against those who damaged the emblem, the Chief Minister said that the issue had hurt people’s emotions and demanded an apology.
“At least apologize for that. Say that yes, we made a mistake, it should not have been on the stone,” he added.

Omar emphasized that government symbols should always be kept away from religious institutions.

“The functions in other religious institutions, where such stones are placed, Google it and see, the government emblem is not used anywhere. The government emblem is only used in government functions. Mosque, dargah, temple and gurdwara are not government institutions, these are religious institutions. Government emblems are not used in religious institutions,” he said.

Meanwhile, the ruling National Conference (NC) today demanded the immediate dismissal of the chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board and registration of a criminal case for violating the State Emblem of India Act.

“When the Prime Minister and Lieutenant Governor don’t use the state emblem for religious functions, why should Ms Andrabi? Misusing the national emblem at a shrine violates the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005. It insults India’s secular fabric,” the NC added in a statement.

The party demanded her immediate dismissal and registration of a criminal case for violating the State Emblem of India Act. (UNI)

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