Attack on Ashoka emblem, attack on faith: Darakhshan

Srinagar, Sep 5: Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board Chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi on Friday denounced the breaking of the emblem at Dargah Hazratbal, terming it a serious insult to the shrine and to the emotions of the Muslim community.

Addressing a news conference inside the shrine complex, Andrabi said, “Those who carried out this act are nothing less than terrorists. I appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and law enforcement agencies to arrest them without delay.”

She described the act as a personal shock, saying, “It was as if a cloudburst fell upon me when I witnessed the emblem destroyed.” Andrabi said that the chaos was deliberately engineered by political workers and their supporters.

“I had warned that such trouble could be created. FIRs will be filed against everyone responsible, including the MLA whose tweet added fuel to the fire,” Andrabi said.

She said that the Waqf Board’s renovation of Hazratbal was aimed at enhancing its sanctity and public trust.

“We will not allow such shameful acts to derail our efforts. Shrines are places of worship and respect, and no one will be allowed to play politics here,” she said.