Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday criticised the installation of an emblem at the Hazratbal Shrine, terming it unnecessary and avoidable.
Speaking to reporters in Anantnag, Omar said he had never seen such an emblem at any religious institution or function before and maintained that there was no justification for placing it at Hazratbal.
He added that if the work had been carried out sincerely, people would have recognised it on their own without the need for a plaque.
Omar reminded that the shrine was shaped by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who never used any plaque or stone for personal credit, yet his contribution is still remembered today.
Reacting to Waqf Board Chairperson Dr. Darakshan Andrabi’s warning of PSA action against those who damaged the emblem, Omar said the first mistake was to hurt people’s sentiments and that the right step would have been to apologise. He emphasised that emblems belong in government offices, not in temples, mosques, or shrines. (Agencies)
