Mob Vandalises National Emblem at Hazratbal Shrine Amid Holiday Row

Mob Vandalises National Emblem at Hazratbal Shrine Amid Holiday Row

Srinagar, September 5, 2025: A mob vandalised the National Emblem engraved on a plaque at the revered Hazratbal Shrine on Friday, in the midst of protests sparked by a dispute over the declaration of a holiday for Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.

Background of the Incident

The protests coincided with Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah accusing the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, of denying a holiday as per the Islamic calendar, allegedly “hurting sentiments of people.” The disagreement centred on the moon-sighting-based holiday calendar issued by the government, which scheduled the observance on September 5 instead of September 6.

Waqf Board Chairperson Demands Action

Darakshan Andrabi, chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board, called for police action against the protesters and accused the National Conference (NC) of instigating the mob. She said:

“We do not have militants coming in from across the border. They are terrorists. They could not digest the achievement the Waqf made. When I saw the emblem broken, it felt like a cloudburst had struck me.”

Ms. Andrabi urged the police to lodge an FIR, book those involved under the Public Safety Act, and take action against NC leader Tanvir Sadiq, whose remarks were seen as provocative. She also warned that those involved could be barred from praying at the shrine.

Controversy Over the National Emblem

NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq defended the protesters, stating:

“In Islam, idol worship is strictly forbidden. Placing a sculpted figure at the revered Hazratbal Dargah goes against this very belief.”

Ms. Andrabi, a BJP leader, recently oversaw the inauguration of the renovated shrine, including the sanctum sanctorum, which was originally built by NC founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah in the 1970s. The restoration had stirred sensitivities, particularly regarding the display of the emblem.

Political Reactions

The incident triggered a political debate:

• Omar Abdullah criticised the Lieutenant Governor for not adjusting the holiday according to the moon-sighting, calling the decision “inconsiderate and designed to hurt the sentiments of the people.”

• Senior J&K Minister Sakina Itoo described the administration’s move as unjust, highlighting that Eid-e-Milad is a sacred occasion for Muslims worldwide.

• NC leader Tanvir Sadiq condemned the Waqf chairperson’s statements threatening FIRs against worshippers, urging an apology.

Current Status

J&K Police are reported to be investigating the incident, while tensions at the shrine have prompted fresh protests and calls for restraint. Ms. Andrabi has warned she may sit on a hunger strike if no action is taken against those involved in the vandalism.

The incident highlights the delicate intersection of religion, politics, and governance in Jammu & Kashmir, where administrative decisions and religious sentiments can quickly escalate into public unrest.