Govt Emblems Meant for Offices, Not Shrines: Omar Abdullah on Hazratbal Plaque Row

Srinagar, Sept 6: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has questioned the installation of an Ashoka emblem plaque at the Hazratbal shrine, asserting that government symbols have no place inside religious institutions.

“There is no precedent for placing such emblems in places of worship,” Abdullah told reporters, adding that the act was unnecessary. “If the work was genuine, people would recognize it without plaques. If a mistake was made, admit it and apologize,” he said.

Abdullah pointed out that his grandfather, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, had contributed significantly to Hazratbal but never placed any commemorative stone or emblem. “Mosques, temples, gurdwaras, and dargahs are religious institutions, not government offices,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Police confirmed an FIR (No. 76/2025) has been registered after a mob vandalized the emblem plaque during protests at the shrine on Friday. Investigations are underway, officials said.

J&K Waqf Board chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi condemned the vandalism, demanding strict action against those involved. She also accused the National Conference of provoking the protests and “trying to disturb religious sanctity and public order.”