Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday detained 26 people in connection with the vandalism of the national emblem at the Hazratbal shrine. According to sources, the recovered CCTV footage from the scene clearly shows the individuals involved in the defacement of the emblem. Following a thorough review of the footage and other evidence, the police took the suspects into custody for further investigation.
The incident, which took place on Friday, has sparked a huge controversy in the state. The emblem, which was placed on a renovation plaque at the mosque, home to a relic of Prophet Muhammad, has sparked widespread anger among local leaders and worshippers, leading to the defacement of the symbol.
Political parties, including the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Conference (NC), have raised concerns over the use of the emblem at a place of worship. They argued that displaying a sculpted figure in a place of worship violates Islamic principles, which strictly forbid idol worship.
On Saturday, political figures, including PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, accused Waqf Board chief Darakshan Andrabi of offending religious sentiments. Mufti criticised the inclusion of the emblem, calling it “blasphemy” as it went against Islamic principles that prohibit idol worship.
“Hazratbal is connected to our Prophet Muhammad and any sort of blasphemy is not acceptable to Muslims. If you do any sort of thing at that place that is unacceptable and considered blasphemy for Muslims, then it is not okay. This is not against the emblem, but as our religion is against idol worship, and this act was against that,” she said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also questioned the necessity of the emblem at the shrine. He expressed concern over the invocation of the Public Safety Act (PSA) against those involved in the vandalism, and said, “What was the need for an emblem and the stone in the first place? Wasn’t the work already sufficient?”
Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the vandalism and said that he was “deeply anguished” by the act. However, he did not comment directly on the placement of the emblem.
Meanwhile, J&K Waqf Board chief, had previously called for strict legal action against those responsible for removing the emblem. She said that the individuals behind the vandalism were trying to disturb public order and should be treated as lawbreakers.
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