Why Are Leaders Condemning the Vandalism of the National Emblem Plaque at Hazratbal Dargah?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Political leaders condemn the vandalism of the national emblem plaque.
- Calls for strict action against those responsible.
- The incident reflects a need for dialogue and accountability.
- Concerns raised about the respect for national symbols.
- The vandalism highlights issues in Kashmir's law and order.
New Delhi, Sep 6 (NationPress) Political figures from various parties have expressed their outrage over the destruction of a plaque featuring the national emblem, the Ashoka Pillar, at the Hazratbal Dargah in Srinagar after its recent refurbishment, urging authorities to take stringent measures against those involved.
Sunil Sharma, BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition in the J&K Assembly, sharply criticized this act, suggesting that if the Congress party protects the offenders, they will be equated with separatist ideology. “I am not here to hand out accolades, but if the Congress party chooses to align with those who desecrate the national emblem, we will categorize them alongside separatists,” he asserted.
BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal described the incident as unlawful and called for responsibility. “Any assault on the Ashoka Pillar is illegal. The government will undoubtedly take this matter seriously, and appropriate actions will be enforced against the perpetrators,” he stated.
Congress leader Udit Raj also denounced the vandalism. “The mazar is held in high esteem, but the attack on the Ashoka emblem is unacceptable. The government must act decisively; nothing supersedes the Constitution,” he declared.
Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput placed blame on the government for the deteriorating law-and-order situation. “The responsibility for law and order in Kashmir rests with the Home Ministry. If conditions worsen, Amit Shah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha are accountable. No disruptive elements should go unchecked. Dialogue is essential, but the BJP government must be held fully responsible for such incidents,” he commented.
This controversy erupted after the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board installed a plaque featuring the Ashoka Pillar at the Dargah following renovations, prompting objections from some residents and religious leaders, who argued that Islam forbids animal figures in places of worship. The plaque was later destroyed, leading to widespread condemnation and demands for action from political leaders.