jj correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 06: In a strongly worded statement, the Leader of Opposition in the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, has condemned in the harshest terms the attempted desecration of the National Emblem of India at the historic Hazratbal Dargah. Terming the incident as a “direct attack on the sovereignty and unity of the nation,” Sharma called for immediate and exemplary action against those responsible.
According to reports, a group of anti-social elements attempted to deface and uproot a metallic plate bearing the National Emblem installed at the Hazratbal Shrine. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with citizens and leaders across party lines expressing concern over what many view as a deliberate provocation aimed at disturbing communal harmony and undermining national symbols.
Sharma, while addressing media persons, asserted that the act goes far beyond ordinary vandalism. “This is not just an act of mischief-it is a deliberate insult to the Republic of India. The National Emblem is a sacred symbol of our
constitutional values, our democratic identity, and the unity of our diverse nation. To tamper with it is to strike at the very soul of India,” he said.
The Leader of Opposition did not mince words in calling out a sitting MLA from the National Conference, who had reportedly made remarks linking the incident to religious sentiments. Sharma dismissed the statement as “irresponsible and inflammatory”, warning that such comments only serve to embolden miscreants and deflect attention from the real culprits. “The National Emblem transcends all religions, castes, and regions. No attempt should be made to communalise an act that is essentially anti-national in nature,” Sharma asserted.
He urged the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to take swift and uncompromising action in this matter. “I appeal to the administration to identify, arrest, and prosecute those behind this shameful incident without delay. The law must be allowed to take its course, and the punishment should be stringent enough to deter any such attempts in the future.”
Describing Hazratbal as a symbol of peace and reverence, Sharma emphasised that any mischief in such a sensitive location not only disturbs the peace of the region but also undermines the inclusive spirit of India. He reiterated that no political or ideological justification can ever be acceptable for disrespecting the symbols of national unity.
As public anger simmers and demands for justice grow louder, the incident at Hazratbal has reignited the debate over the protection of national symbols and the responsibilities of public representatives in maintaining harmony and upholding constitutional values.
