Saleem Ghilani – Thinker of J&K Raises Question on Use of National Emblem by Waqf Board at Hazratbal Dargah

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

SRINAGAR SEPTEMBER 10:-The Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board recently renovated the revered Dargah of Hazrat Zain ul Abedine Wali at Aishmuqam and laid a foundation stone during its inauguration. However, it has been noted that the foundation stone at Hazratbal Dargah prominently carries the National Emblem, unlike other shrines where such practice was never followed.

For instance, the inauguration plates at Sirhama Dargah, Charar-e-Sharif, and Baba Rishi’s shrine carry no emblem. This naturally raises a serious question: why was the National Emblem specifically placed at a very delicate and sensitive religious site like Dargah Hazratbal?

Such decisions, if not taken with foresight, can unintentionally stir sensitivities and create avoidable controversy. Therefore, we appeal to the relevant authorities and the central government not to treat this as an ego issue but instead to conduct an impartial investigation into how and why this emblem was used at Hazratbal while being omitted at other shrines.

Respect for the sanctity of spiritual places must remain above politics and symbolism.