Srinagar, Sept 6(KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Altaf Thakur on Saturday demanded action against those involved in vandalising the Ashoka emblem at the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar.

The emblem, part of the renovation work undertaken by the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, was installed recently at the shrine but was removed and damaged by a mob on Friday.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Thakur questioned the absence of police intervention during the incident. “Where were the police when stones and sticks were used and the emblem was attacked? The force was present but did not act,” he said.

Thakur said that any objection to the installation could have been raised through proper channels. “If there was disagreement, it could have been conveyed to the chairperson of the Waqf Board. There is a democratic way to express such concerns,” he said.

He compared the method adopted by those involved in the incident to violent tactics and said such actions were unacceptable in a democratic setup.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“The way this was carried out cannot be accepted in any way by the people of India,” he added.

The BJP spokesperson urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the Director General of Police to initiate strict action. “Those who broke the law and those who were involved in the incident must be identified and brought before the law,” he said.

Thakur further alleged that people entered the shrine premises wearing slippers and boots and caused damage. He said the matter required a thorough investigation to establish who was behind the act.

“The BJP will not allow any attempt to undermine national symbols or create disorder in Jammu and Kashmir. Legal action is necessary against those responsible,” he said.

Referring to the ongoing renovation works by the Waqf Board, Thakur said the projects were aimed at improving facilities and transparency. He said such efforts should not be disrupted through violent means.(KNS).