J&K Waqf Board chairperson demands action against those trying to ‘obliterate’ national emblem at Hazratbal shrine
Darakhshan Andrabi, the head of the J&K Waqf Board, has demanded strong action against those who vandalized a marble slab outside the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar. The slab features the national emblem, and recent efforts to damage it have raised serious concerns.
Just two days before this incident, the Waqf Board opened the beautifully renovated interior of the Hazratbal shrine. The renovation was carried out with local funds, and Darakhshan Andrabi emphasized that no external loans were used for the project.
However, on Friday, a crowd gathered outside the shrine, shouting slogans and throwing stones at the national emblem engraved on the marble slab. In response to this act of vandalism, Darakhshan Andrabi held a press conference and expressed her regret. She called for police to take quick action against those responsible.
“Destroying the emblem is not just damaging a stone—it hurts the feelings of devotees and disrespects our Constitution,”she said. She also pointed fingers at activists from the National Conference party, accusing them of trying to disturb peace and undo her efforts.
“Many promises were made before they came to power, but now they are resorting to stone-pelting and violence,” Darakhshan Andrabi added. She criticized those who cannot tolerate good work and questioned whether they respect the national symbol they swore allegiance to.
She also accused some leaders of using religion for political gain, claiming she has always tried to keep religion separate from politics since becoming the Waqf Board chairperson.
On the same day, Muslims from across the Kashmir Valley gathered at the Hazratbal shrine to celebrate Eid-e-Milad, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. The event saw the largest gathering of devotees spending the night in prayer, highlighting the spiritual importance of the occasion.
This incident has sparked concern over rising tensions and acts of disrespect towards religious sites in Kashmir, urging authorities to maintain peace and protect cultural and national symbols.
