LoP Sunil Sharma condemns vandalism of National emblem at Dargah Hazratbal Shrine
Srinagar, Sep 06: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) senior leader and Leader of Opposition (LOP) in Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma on Saturday condemned the vandalism of national emblem at Dargah Hazratbal Shrine, and termed it an attack on the sovereignty and integrity of India.
Sharma appealed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to ensure that every single person involved in this act is identified, prosecuted and given the strictest possible punishment.
The BJP leader said that a highly unfortunate and disgraceful incident occurred yesterday at the Hazratbal Dargah. Within the dargah premises, a plate bearing the National emblem of India was attacked by certain anti-social elements, who attempted to deface and uproot it using stones and other tools. This act is not merely vandalism – it is a direct assault on the dignity of the National Emblem and, by extension, on the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
He said the National emblem is the very symbol of India’s identity and existence. Any attack on it is a vile, cowardly, and disgraceful act that has deeply hurt the sentiments of every Indian.
Shockingly, instead of condemning this shameful incident, an MLA from the National Conference has attempted to twist the matter by claiming that “religious sentiments” were hurt. The question arises – what connection does the National Emblem have with religion? Such statements are nothing but an attempt to shield the anti-social elements behind this heinous act. The National Conference does not, and cannot, claim to represent any single religion, and this irresponsible rhetoric only emboldens those who committed the crime, BJP leader said.
He also said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has remarked that the emblem should not have been placed on the plate. Even if one were to concede that point, once the National Emblem was installed, no mob – under any circumstances – has the right to insult or attack it. This is an unpardonable offense and cannot, under any situation, be tolerated.
He strongly condemned and denounced the incident. “This is not an ordinary case – it marks a dangerous and deeply disturbing departure from past incidents in Kashmir. The concerned National Conference MLA must clarify whether the mob was acting at his behest, and whether he seeks to offer protection to these miscreants,” he said.
He appealed to Lieutenant Governor J&K Manoj Sinha to ensure that every single person involved in this disgraceful act is identified, prosecuted, and given the strictest possible punishment. “Only then can a clear message be sent – that no individual or group will ever be allowed to insult the National emblem of India and get away with it,” he added.
