What Actions Is J&K Waqf Board Chairperson Demanding Against Those Defacing National Emblem at Hazratbal Shrine?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Demand for action against defacing the national emblem.
- Emphasis on cultural heritage preservation.
- Accusations against political groups for unrest.
- Importance of national symbols in community identity.
- Religious and political dynamics in J&K highlighted.
Srinagar, Sep 5 (NationPress) Darakhshan Andrabi, the chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board, has called for serious action against individuals who attempted to deface the national emblem that is carved on a marble slab situated outside the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar city.
The Waqf board recently celebrated the grand reopening of the elaborately renovated interior of the Hazratbal shrine, having invested crores of rupees in the project.
During the inauguration ceremony, Andrabi emphasized that the Waqf board financed the entire renovation without relying on external borrowing.
On Friday, a group of individuals gathered outside the shrine, chanting slogans and defacing the national emblem with stones.
In a press conference following the incident, Darakhshan Andrabi expressed her sorrow over the event and urged the police to take action against those responsible.
“This was not merely an assault on a stone, but a strike against the hearts of devotees and the values enshrined in our Constitution,” she stated.
She accused members of the ruling National Conference of being behind the act.
“These individuals made numerous promises before assuming power, yet they have returned to their old ways of stone pelting to disrupt peace,” she added.
“They pledged in their manifesto to reclaim the Waqf Board by ousting me. Unable to fulfill that promise, they are resorting to lawlessness,” she claimed.
She further asserted that these individuals struggle to accept anyone performing positive actions.
“Do they not carry currency notes adorned with the national emblem? Did they not swear loyalty to the national emblem before taking office in J&K?” she questioned during the press conference.
She accused certain leaders of attempting to politicize religion for personal gain, stating she has consistently sought to keep religion separate from politics since becoming the Waqf Board chairperson.
On this day, coinciding with ‘Eid-e-Milad’ (the Birthday of the Prophet), the Hazratbal shrine is witnessing its largest congregation of devout Muslims from across the Valley, who have gathered to spend the night in prayer and reflection.