A shocking act of vandalism at Srinagar’s revered Hazratbal Shrine, home to a sacred relic of the Prophet Muhammad, has sparked widespread outrage and a heated debate over national symbols and religious sensitivities. On September 7, 2025, a mob defaced the Ashoka Emblem on a marble plaque at the shrine’s inauguration stone, prompting strong condemnation from Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and other leaders.

Rijiju, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, denounced the act in a post on X, calling the Hazratbal Shrine a “symbol of peace” and a beacon of “Faith & Unity” due to its deep connection to the Prophet’s relic. “I strongly condemn the vandalism of the sacred Ashoka Emblem from the Dargah Hazratbal inauguration stone,” he stated, emphasizing the shrine’s role as a unifying spiritual site.

Dr. Darakshan Andrabi, Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board, labeled the vandalism a “terrorist attack” and a “huge crime,” accusing the perpetrators of being “goons of a political party” with a history of destabilizing Kashmir. In a viral video, the mob was seen defacing the national emblem, citing Islamic principles against sculpting figures. Andrabi revealed that the shrine’s administrator narrowly escaped an attack by the mob, adding that those responsible would face a lifetime ban from the shrine and an FIR. “They have damaged the dignity of the dargah,” she said, vowing strict legal action.

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The incident has ignited a firestorm of reactions. National Conference leader Tanvir Sadiq criticized the installation of the Ashoka Emblem, arguing it violated Islamic prohibitions on idol worship. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti called the emblem’s placement “blasphemous” and demanded the disbandment of the Waqf Board, escalating the controversy. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also questioned the use of the national emblem at a religious site, noting that government symbols are typically avoided in such contexts.

The vandalism has intensified tensions in Jammu and Kashmir, raising questions about balancing national pride with religious sensitivities. The Hazratbal Shrine, one of Srinagar’s most sacred sites, has long been a symbol of spiritual unity, making the defacement particularly provocative. As authorities investigate and prepare to file charges, the incident underscores the delicate interplay of faith, politics, and national identity in the region. Calls for accountability and dialogue continue to grow as leaders grapple with the fallout of this unprecedented act.

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