Kashmir Pen News Bureau
Pulwama, Sept 8: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday strongly condemned the arrests made in connection with the Hazratbal controversy, asserting that such detentions should not have taken place.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to AIIMS Awantipora in Pulwama, Omar described the incident as “unfortunate” and questioned the rationale behind installing a plaque bearing the national emblem inside the revered shrine. “The person who made the first mistake has not yet apologized, and I was never made to understand why it was done,” he said.
Recalling that the shrine was inaugurated by his grandfather, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the Chief Minister noted: “He never chose to erect any stone inside. The erection of a plaque inside Hazratbal was not a good step.”
On the arrest of Doda MLA Mehraj Malik, Omar Abdullah said he would first seek details before making further comments.
During his visit, the Chief Minister also reviewed facilities at AIIMS | Kashmir Pen
