Did NC Instigate the Defacement of the National Emblem at Hazratbal Shrine?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Vandalism of national symbols is a serious issue.
- The incident raises political questions about the roles of local parties.
- Immediate police action has been initiated.
- Calls for accountability are essential for maintaining national integrity.
- Responses from local leaders affect public perception.
Jammu, Sep 6 (NationPress) Senior BJP figure and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the J&K Assembly, Sunil Sharma, expressed strong condemnation regarding the recent defacement of the national emblem by miscreants at the Hazratbal shrine on Friday. He accused the ruling National Conference (NC) of allegedly backing separatists and terrorists.
During a press briefing on Saturday about the incident where a group of troublemakers vandalized the national emblem on an inaugural marble slab at the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar, Sharma stated, “The debate on whether the emblem should have been placed on the inauguration stone is separate, but the core issue remains: is the defacing of the national emblem justifiable?”
“The national emblem represents India’s unity, integrity, and sovereignty. The manner in which the National Conference rationalizes this act only strengthens the perception that it operates as a semi-separatist entity, masquerading as a political party that supports anti-national factions and terrorists,” he added.
Sharma also criticized the Congress party for its silence on this matter, stating, “I am not here to issue any certificates, but the Congress's lack of response is perplexing.”
It is important to note that the vandalism involved a group that used stones to shatter the national emblem. The local police have filed an FIR regarding this incident under applicable legal provisions and have commenced efforts to hold accountable those involved in this disgraceful act.
Darakhshan Andrabi, chairperson of the local Waqf Board, expressed regret over the incident and called for severe actions against those who instigated the hooligans to commit such an act. Without naming anyone directly, she implied that the NC had incited the hooligans to engage in this anti-national behavior.