Srinagar, Sept 6: The Awami National Conference (ANC) has strongly condemned the controversial installation and subsequent breaking of an Ashoka emblem plaque at the Hazratbal Shrine, terming it an outrageous assault on faith and the sanctity of Kashmir’s holiest shrine.
ANC Senior Vice President Muzaffar Shah described the act as “reckless tampering with faith” and demanded the immediate dissolution of the Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board. “Hazratbal is not just a shrine, it is the spiritual heartbeat of our people. Introducing emblems or plaques here violates Islamic tradition and deeply wounds the sentiments of lakhs of devotees. Such irresponsible actions risk igniting unrest across the Valley. The government must intervene decisively and learn from the Moy-e-Muqaddas movement,” Shah said.
The ANC’s strong reaction comes as other political and religious organizations, including the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the Congress Party, and CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, also voiced their outrage and demanded accountability.
The party reiterated that no individual or institution has the right to alter the religious character of Hazratbal or impose political symbols within its premises. “Those responsible must be held to account. Devotees cannot be criminalized for defending their faith,” Shah emphasized.
The ANC has cautioned authorities against repeating the mistakes of the past, urging immediate corrective measures to safeguard the sanctity of Hazratbal and preserve the fragile peace of the regions.
