The controversy in Jammu and Kashmir over the installation of the national emblem at the Hazratbal shrine continues to escalate, with People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti demanding action under blasphemy laws against the Waqf Board chief and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Darakshan Andrabi.

Mufti’s remarks, made during a press conference in Srinagar on Saturday, September 6, followed strong condemnation from J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who called for an apology from Andrabi for “hurting the religious sentiments” of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The controversy erupted after a plaque featuring the Ashoka emblem, installed by Andrabi, was vandalised at the revered Hazratbal shrine last Friday, prompting widespread political backlash and calls for legal action.

According to The Indian Express, Omar Abdullah questioned the rationale behind the installation, stating, “First of all, the question is whether the stone should have had an emblem or not. I have never seen such an emblem being used in any religious institution or function. Google it and see, the government emblem is not used anywhere. The government emblem is only used in government functions. Mosque, dargah, temple, gurdwara, these are not government institutions, these are religious institutions,”

“So, what was the compulsion to use an emblem on this stone at Hazratbal?” he asked.

He further added, “What is the use of issuing threats?” in response to Andrabi calling the protesters terrorists and seeking their arrest under the Public Safety Act.

“The sentiments of the people were played with. At least apologise for that. Say yes, we made a mistake, it (emblem) should not have been on the stone.”

Mehbooba Mufti labelled the act as blasphemy but urged restraint, acknowledging the anger while cautioning against giving the government an excuse for another crackdown.

“I know this is not the time for patience. Naturally, there is anger. But there is a need to remain sensible, not to give them a chance to launch another crackdown,” she said.

Mufti also demanded the disbandment of the Waqf Board, stating, “Heads should roll. I urge Omar sahib to disband it and remove everyone.”

The National Conference joined the chorus, with over a dozen legislators addressing a press conference, calling for Andrabi’s immediate dismissal by the Lieutenant Governor.

Religious bodies also weighed in, with the Muttahida Majlis Ulema (MMU)—an umbrella organisation of over two dozen religious groups in J&K—deeming the installation a “dangerous and unnecessary precedent.”

The MMU said, “Hazratbal is not merely a structure; it is the spiritual heart of the Muslims of Jammu & Kashmir, bound to our faith and identity through centuries of devotion. Any alteration that undermines its sanctity deeply pains the devotional sentiments attached to it.”

The organisation underscored, “Islam is explicit in its teachings: no plaques, emblems, figures, or symbols are permitted in mosques or shrines.”

In contrast, the BJP defended Andrabi, calling the defacement of the emblem a “terrorist act.”

BJP spokesman Altaf Thakur remarked in a Srinagar press conference, “If they (people) had issues with it, they should have gone to the VC sahiba and not acted like Osama bin Laden.”

“This is a national symbol. It is on your passport, on your Aadhaar card, on the currency notes. Why are your prayers not disapproved when you go in with currency?”

Thakur urged the police to take action against those involved in defacing the emblem.

As the political and religious debate deepens, the controversy remains unresolved, with tensions running high across Jammu and Kashmir.