Editorial photo #12731173 Politics
Plaque With Ashoka Emblem At Srinagar’s Hazratbal Shrine Vandalised, Sparks Political Row In Kashmir
Indian policemen stop devotees as they attempt to vandalize an inauguration plaque bearing the National Emblem at the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on September 5, 2025. Devotees vandalize an inauguration plaque bearing the National Emblem at the revered Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar. Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board Chairperson Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi condemns the incident as an ''attack on faith'' and announces that FIRs will be filed against those involved, including a sitting MLA. The ruling National Conference (NC), however, describes the move as an act against faith. The incident quickly escalates into a political row. Member of Parliament and National Conference (NC) leader Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi says that branding Kashmiris as ''terrorists'' for expressing anger over matters that hurt their religious sentiments, and demanding punitive laws like the PSA, reflects the BJP's ''communal mindset.'' (Photo by Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto)