Hazratbal Emblem Row: Shah Faesal Condemns Desecration, Mehbooba Mufti Seeks FIR Against Waqf C’person

Srinagar: The controversy surrounding the alleged desecration of the National Emblem at Hazratbal is deepening, drawing sharp reactions from people across the spectrum. The fresh addition to the list is IAS officer Dr. Shah Faesal who has condemned the act of desecration of the emblem. On the other hand, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti voicing strong concerns has sought a formal case against Waqf Chairperson Dr Darakshan Andrabi.

Dr. Shah Faesal, in a post on X, describing the incident as deeply hurtful and a matter of national pride said, “Even those across the country who stand for genuine empowerment of Kashmiris & count themselves among their true well-wishers are deeply hurt by the visuals from Hazratbal. Desecration of the national emblem is no small matter. It’s a matter of national pride,” adding that the actions of a few individuals had cast a shadow on all.

Meanwhile, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said her party was denied permission to file an FIR at Nigeen Police Station against the Chairperson of the Waqf Board over the incident. She announced that the party would now approach Hazratbal Police Station. “I urge @JmuKmrPolice to initiate an FIR immediately given the gravity of the offence, deliberately hurting the religious sentiments of Muslims thereby provoking them,” she posted on X.

Pertinent to mention here that a group of locals on Friday damaged a plaque featuring Ashoka emblem, which the agitated people said was against the sanctity of the religious site.