Mehbooba Mufti Demands Action Over Hazratbal Shrine Emblem Controversy

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti has expressed strong disapproval regarding the installation of the Ashoka Emblem at the Hazratbal shrine. She stated that this action has deeply offended the religious sentiments of Muslims. The controversy emerged following the inauguration of the newly renovated shrine on September 3, 2025, during which a marble plaque featuring the emblem was unveiled. Some devotees interpreted the emblem as resembling an idol, which contradicts Islamic teachings.

In an exclusive interview with Zee News, Mufti asserted that the Waqf Board, led by Darakhshan Andrabi, should be held accountable for this incident. She called for the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against its members under the blasphemy act for causing harm to religious feelings. Specifically, she noted that they should be charged under Section 295-A of the Indian Penal Code, which addresses actions intended to outrage religious sentiments.

Mufti criticized Waqf Board Chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi for permitting the emblem’s placement within the shrine and for suggesting that protesters should be prosecuted under the Public Safety Act (PSA). “As a Muslim, the entire Waqf Board, which comprises Muslims, should understand that no image can be displayed inside a shrine or place of worship,” Mufti emphasized, calling such actions polytheistic and intolerable.

Controversy Surrounds Religious Symbolism

Mufti further remarked that while previous governments had focused on the development of Hazratbal, they had intentionally avoided what she described as “un-Islamic practices.” She stated, “This was not a BJP function. Unfortunately, the sanctity of Hazratbal was compromised in this manner.” The PDP Chief urged respect for the religious significance of such sites, highlighting the need for sensitivity in matters of faith.

Additionally, Mufti accused the National Conference of capitulating to the policies and narratives of the BJP, a separate issue from the Hazratbal controversy. She noted, “We were under the impression that a popular government had come into power with a strong mandate, but they are now legitimizing the actions of the BJP.”

Following the incident, Mufti commented on the actions of those who damaged the emblem, stating that they acted out of anger and provocation. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have officially registered an FIR in connection with the emblem’s installation.

As the situation unfolds, Mufti’s statements reflect broader concerns regarding the interplay between politics, religion, and cultural sensitivity in Jammu and Kashmir. The public’s reaction to this incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding religious symbols and their implications within the region’s complex sociopolitical landscape.