Omar Abdullah says emblem belongs to govt functions, not shrines, Demands apology from Waqaf Board

Srinagar, Sept 6, KNT: Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday joined the chorus of criticism over the installation of a plaque bearing the State Emblem of India inside the Hazratbal shrine, saying the symbol has no place at religious sites.

“The emblem is used for government functions, not at religious places. It was never meant to be displayed at the Dargah Hazratbal,” Omar Abdullah said. He added that the Waqf Board should have tendered an apology instead of defending the move. “They should have admitted their mistake and apologised for hurting religious sentiments,” he said.

The remarks come amid growing outrage after the emblem on the newly installed inauguration plaque at Hazratbal was defaced by worshippers yesterday, triggering a political war of words. While Waqf Board Chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi termed the act an attack on the Constitution and demanded PSA against those involved, political leaders have accused the Board itself of showing insensitivity.

PDP President Mehbooba Mufti had earlier demanded action under Section 295-A against the Waqf Board, arguing that installing the emblem amounted to an act that outraged the sentiments of Muslims. [KNT]