'Hurting Religious Sentiments': Mob Vandalises Emblem At Shrine, Sparks War Of Words In Valley

National National

Posted by AI on 2025-09-06 09:09:02 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-09-06 12:14:40

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In a shocking incident, a marble plaque carrying the Ashoka emblem was found vandalised at one of Kashmir's most revered shrines, sparking a war of words between politicians and officials.

The incident, which occurred at the Hazratbal shrine on Wednesday, has left the administration red-faced as they attempt to maintain a fragile peace in the Union Territory.

Protesters, reportedly Muslim separatists, argued that the emblem's sculpted lions resembled figurative representations, which they claim is incompatible with the shrine's religious ethos. Similar complaints have been made about the state's flag, which also features the Ashoka emblem.

"Any kind of religious symbolism is very sacred for Muslims. Putting a statue or an impression of an animal, which resembles a cross on a holy place is hurting our sentiments," a local resident told media scrum.

Political parties and officials have condemned the act, with Jammu and Kashmir Governor Manoj Sinha directing the police to investigate the matter.

"This act is against the ethos of Kashmiriyat (an idea encapsulating the distinct social and political ethos practised by the people of Jammu and Kashmir), which teaches us to respect all religions," Sinha said in a statement. "Spitting on this great tradition through such acts is deplorable."

The police have filed a case under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act as the investigation is underway.

"Such an act is against the very spirit of Kashmiriyat and respect for religious places irrespective of the religion. We will take all necessary action to apprehend the culprits," the police said in a statement.

The future of the emblem remains uncertain, as local authorities and religious leaders discuss alternative options for installation.

Despite official condemnations and investigations, many have criticised the incident, highlighting it as a symptom of deeper issues with Kashmir's instability and religious tensions.

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