Omar demands Waqf Apology; Andrabi Blames NC for Vandalism
Srinagar, Sept 06: Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a case in connection with the vandalism of the Ashoka emblem inside the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar.
According to officials, an FIR (No. 76 of 2025) under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been lodged at Police Station Nigeen after a mob allegedly damaged the National Emblem engraved on a plaque during a protest.
Taking strong exception to the incident, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah demanded an apology from the authorities for hurting the religious sentiments of the people. “The emblem is used for government functions and not at religious places. It was not meant to be displayed at the Dargah Hazratbal. The Waqf Board should have apologized for the mistake they committed by hurting religious sentiments,” said the Chief Minister.
The protest had erupted over the installation of the emblem, with participants reportedly vandalizing the plaque inside the shrine premises. Police said investigations have been initiated and assured that action would follow in accordance with law.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi condemned the act and urged strict police action against those involved. She alleged that the National Conference (NC) had provoked the protests, accusing the party of “inciting people to disturb religious sanctity and public order.”
