Overview

• A marble plaque bearing the Ashoka Emblem at Srinagar’s Hazratbal shrine was defaced and removed after Friday prayers, as shown in widely shared videos.
• Jammu and Kashmir Police registered an FIR for breach of peace, rioting and criminal conspiracy against unidentified persons and said those involved are being identified.
• Waqf Board chairperson Dr Darakhshan Andrabi condemned the act, called it a “terrorist attack,” and urged stringent measures including the Public Safety Act against the perpetrators.
• Leaders from the National Conference and PDP criticized the emblem’s use at a religious site, demanded Andrabi’s apology or removal, and cited possible violation of the State Emblem of India Act.
• The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said symbols are not permitted in mosques or shrines and urged dialogue over punitive action against worshippers.