• Source:JND
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At least 26 people were detained for questioning in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday for vandalising the national emblem at the Hazratbal shrine. The incident took place on Friday during the occasion of Eid-e-Milad (the Prophet’s birthday), when the year’s largest congregation of devout Muslims from across the Valley gathered at the shrine to spend the night in prayer and penance. A case has been registered against unidentified persons for insulting national symbols, deliberately creating disturbance during a religious ceremony, and causing injury with weapons. An investigation has been initiated.

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The incident, which occurred on Friday, has triggered a major controversy in Jammu and Kashmir. The national emblem, placed on a renovation plaque at the Hazratbal mosque,  which houses a revered relic of Prophet Muhammad, sparked widespread anger among local leaders and worshippers, ultimately leading to its defacement.

Politicians Reaction 

Police have invoked sections of the Indian Penal Code carrying non-bailable provisions, with punishments ranging from six months to three years if proven guilty. On Saturday, political leaders, including PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, accused Waqf Board chairperson Darakshan Andrabi of hurting religious sentiments. Mufti condemned the inclusion of the emblem, terming it “blasphemy,” as it violated Islamic principles that prohibit idol worship.

"Hazratbal is connected to our Prophet Muhammad and any sort of blasphemy is not acceptable to Muslims. If you do any sort of thing at that place that is unacceptable and considered blasphemy for Muslims, then it is not okay. This is not against the emblem, but as our religion is against idol worship, and this act was against that," Mufti said.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah questioned the need for installing the emblem at the shrine and criticised the use of the Public Safety Act against the accused. Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the vandalism, saying he was “deeply anguished,” though he did not comment on the emblem’s placement. Meanwhile, J&K Waqf Board chief Darakshan Andrabi called for strict action, accusing the vandals of disturbing public order.

Hazratbal Dargah Renovation 

The beautification of the Hazratbal Dargah was completed and dedicated to the public three days ago by Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Waqf Board Chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi. As part of the project, a stone plaque with the national emblem was installed in the shrine premises. The Waqf Board spent crores of rupees on the grand renovation and decoration of the shrine’s interior, which Andrabi said was funded entirely by the board without external borrowing.

This marks the first time a plaque has been fixed on the shrine’s wall to commemorate such work. The centuries-old shrine, which houses a revered relic of Prophet Muhammad, has undergone multiple renovations over the years. Its present white marble structure, blending Mughal and Kashmiri architecture, was built in the 1970s by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah with public donations, though no plaque was installed at that time.

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FIR Filed 

Officials said that in connection with the ruckus, a case has been registered at Nigeen Police Station under FIR No. 76/2025 against unidentified persons under Sections 300, 352, 191(2), 324(4), 196, 61(2) and Section 2 of the Indian Penal Code (BNS). CCTV footage from the dargah premises and videos circulated on social media are also being examined.