Srinagar, Sep 06 (KINS): The National Conference (NC) on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Darakshan Andrabi, demanding her removal from the post after a controversy erupted over the installation of national emblem at the revered Hazratbal Shrine.
The row began on Friday when devotees defaced the emblem installed on an inauguration stone at Hazratbal. Andrabi subsequently accused NC leaders of instigating the act, alleging that it was carried out by “terrorists,” and called for strict action under the Public Safety Act (PSA). She also demanded police action against NC leader and former legislator Tanvir Sadiq, who had raised the issue on social media platform X.
Reacting strongly, senior NC leaders addressed a press conference in Srinagar on Saturday, accusing Andrabi of politicizing religious institutions. “Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah constructed the Hazratbal Shrine, but you will not find his name inscribed anywhere on its walls. Wherever she goes, she puts her name to claim credit. This is nothing but politics,” NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq said according to news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).
He alleged that Andrabi had deeply hurt the religious sentiments of Kashmiris by installing her name and the national emblem at the shrine, and then branding those who opposed it as terrorists. “We have learned that an open FIR has been registered in connection with the incident. We demand that action should be taken against violation as well, for defaming Kashmiris by labeling them as terrorists,” he said.
NC leader and former MP Hasnain Masoodi also joined the call for her ouster, stressing that the authority to remove Andrabi rests with the Lieutenant Governor (LG).
“She has been appointed by the LG, and it is his responsibility to dismiss her at the earliest. We also demand that a house committee be formed to probe alleged embezzlements in the Waqf Board,” Masoodi said.
Former Deputy Speaker and NC MLA Nazir Gurezi said that if the NC had the powers, they would have removed her “without any delay.” He said that no political leader, irrespective of stature, had ever placed their name on an inauguration plaque at religious places, citing even the Ram Mandir as an example.
Sadiq further alleged that there were “conspiracies against Kashmiris,” warning that Andrabi’s remarks and actions risked inflaming public anger. “This is not about politics but about the dignity and sanctity of our shrines,” he said.
The controversy has sparked widespread debate, with opposition leaders accusing the Waqf Board of overstepping its mandate and eroding the sanctity of religious institutions in Kashmir. (KINS)
