Imam Bashir Ahamed Usmani of Jamia Masjid Aallain Talab has demanded a thorough inquiry into the vandalism at the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar, alleging that a revered place of worship has been turned into a “political ground.”
The incident came to light after a video went viral showing a mob defacing the national emblem inscribed on the foundation stone of the shrine, which is undergoing redevelopment under the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board.
Imam Usmani condemned the act, terming it an attempt to “spread terrorism.” He said, “The festival was being celebrated when the goons tried to spread terror there. We want a proper inquiry to identify those responsible, including any political or religious leaders who masterminded this. They have turned a religious place into a political ground.”
Calling for strict action, he added that those responsible must face consequences so that no one dares vandalise any place of worship—whether a mosque, temple, gurudwara, or church—in the future.
National Conference (NC) MLA Salman Ali Sagar also questioned the Waqf Board Chairperson and BJP leader Darakhshan Andrabi for placing the national emblem at the shrine. Suggesting the move was politically motivated, he alleged, “This is probably pre-planned and linked to exploiting the Bihar elections. The BJP, through its chairperson, is controlling religious institutions here.”
Sagar demanded that the Chief Minister and elected state government be allowed to appoint the Waqf Board’s chairperson, rather than external appointees.
Earlier, Andrabi had strongly condemned the vandalism, calling it “very unfortunate” and a “terrorist attack” by political goons, accusing them of trying to destabilise the region.
The Hazratbal Shrine, one of Kashmir’s most revered sites, houses the holy relic of Prophet Mohammad and remains central to the Valley’s religious and cultural life.
