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JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir BJP today strongly condemned the attempt to damage the national emblem at the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar, calling it a deliberate effort to defame national symbols and disrupt peace in the region. Addressing a press conference, BJP Chief Spokesperson Sunil Sethi, along with party leaders Dr. Tahir Chowdhary, Ajay Bharti, Zorawar Singh Jamwal, Dr Hari Dutt Shishu and others, expressed deep concern over the incident and called for strict action against those directly involved as well as those who incited the attack.
The spokesperson described the issue as highly sensitive and dangerous, warning that such acts are aimed at reviving extremist sentiments in Kashmir, similar to those seen in the 1990s. Sethi praised the efforts of the Waqf Board, particularly its Chairperson Dr. Daraksha Drabi, for the renovation and beautification of the Hazratbal Shrine, which is now considered one of the most beautiful religious sites in South Asia.
However, he pointed out that certain political forces have tried to exploit this development for their narrow agendas. The incident in question involved attempts to damage the national emblem, the Ashoka Chakra, installed on the inauguration stone outside the shrine complex. Sethi condemned those behind the controversy, arguing that the national emblem represents the pride of every Indian, regardless of religion, and that any attack on it is an insult to the entire nation.
He slammed attempts by political actors, particularly from the National Conference, to inflame passions by tweeting provocative messages and spreading misinformation. “The national emblem belongs to every Indian. It cannot be politicized or used to stir unrest,” he stressed. He further urged the government to take strict action not only against those who physically attacked the symbol but also against those who incited and justified it, including political figures who supported or attempted to normalize the offense.
Sethi also cautioned against attempts to create unrest under the guise of religion or politics, suggesting that such provocations are orchestrated to destabilize the region and give space to anti-national elements. He warned that Pakistan and other hostile forces may seek to exploit the situation to further their agenda, but expressed confidence that the people of Kashmir, having seen past manipulations, will not fall prey to such tactics.
The BJP leader emphasized that the recent efforts to disrupt peace threaten the tourism sector and development in the region, which has only recently begun to recover from earlier violence. He called for swift and decisive action to reassure citizens across India that national unity and law and order will be upheld.
The party reiterated its demand that the government go beyond merely registering an FIR and ensure that those who instigated and supported the attack face strict penalties. “An example must be made — national symbols must be respected, and no one is above the law,” Sethi declared.
He called for action, asserting that the defense of national integrity must be a shared responsibility, and that the BJP stands firmly against any attempt to tarnish India’s values or disturb the peace in Kashmir.
