Srinagar, Sep 05(KNS): The Hazratbal Dargah in Srinagar became the center of a fresh controversy after unidentified individuals vandalised a renovation plaque on which the national emblem of India had been engraved.

The plaque, installed just a day prior by the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board under its chairperson Darakshan Andrabi, was damaged by devotees who opposed the emblem’s presence inside the sacred shrine.

Following the incident, Andrabi called for immediate action, demanding that those responsible be booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA). Speaking at a press conference at Hazratbal, she described the vandals as “militants” and said the act was intended to disturb public order. Andrabi also requested that an FIR be registered against National Conference MLA Tanvir Sadiq, whom she alleged had influenced the protest.

The vandalised plaque drew sharp criticism from local political and religious figures. Tanvir Sadiq, NC spokesperson and Zadibal MLA, objected to the placement of the emblem inside the shrine, stating that it violates Islamic principles. “I’m not a religious scholar, but in Islam, idol worship is strictly forbidden — the gravest of sins. The foundation of our faith is Tawheed. Placing a sculpted figure at the revered Hazratbal Dargah goes against this very belief. Sacred spaces must reflect only the purity of Tawheed, nothing else,” he said in a post on X.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Srinagar MP and Shia leader Ruhullah Mehdi criticized the Waqf Board for the decision, calling it an attempt to “monumentalise egos” rather than an act of devotion. “A sacred place that has stood for centuries needs no one’s nameplate for legitimacy. People were rightly offended by this dangerous attempt to play with religious sensitivities for self-glorification,” Mehdi wrote. He also questioned Andrabi’s call for PSA action against the protesters, saying it added insult to the sentiments of the local population.

People’s Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti also voiced concern over the issue, stating that Muslims appear to be deliberately provoked. She condemned the use of PSA against individuals expressing anger over the emblem and called on the Waqf Board to act with sensitivity.

The Hazratbal Dargah, which houses the sacred relic Moi-e-Muqqadas — believed to be a hair from the beard of Prophet Muhammad — holds deep religious, historical, and cultural significance for Muslims in Kashmir and across India. The recent installation of the Ashoka emblem inside the shrine’s renovation plaque has ignited a debate over religious sanctity, the role of the Waqf Board, and the response of local authorities.

Andrabi has warned of a hunger strike if action is not taken against those involved in the vandalisation, intensifying the dispute.(KNS).