Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 6: With the National emblem controversy intensifying, ruling National Conference (NC) Legislators today demanded immediate dismissal of J&K Waqf Board Chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi and legal action against her for “misusing” the national symbol.
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Addressing a press conference here, NC Chief Spokesperson and MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq-flanked by several other MLAs from different constituencies-also called for an investigation into the functioning of the Waqf Board since 2019.
“If anyone misuses the National Emblem and places it at inappropriate locations, the necessary action should be taken. The law clearly states that it cannot be used for religious purposes without explicit permission from the Government,” Sadiq said.
He said the installation of the emblem at the Hazratbal shrine reflected “either poor judgment or a violation of law.”
“Party MLAs demand the immediate dismissal of the Waqf Board Chairperson and necessary action must be taken against her as per law. Using it on a foundation stone at a religious place amounts to improper use under Section 3 of the Act governing use of the National Emblem.” he added.
He said NC MLAs would write to the Speaker of the Assembly, demanding the formation of a House Committee to probe alleged irregularities in the Waqf Board from 2019.
“There are complaints about faulty tendering processes and allotment of contracts. There should be transparency, and a committee must investigate these allegations and expose the corruption,” he said.
Sadiq stressed that the Ashoka Chakra, the national emblem, symbolizes the unity and integrity of the country.
“Every citizen respects it, and our party believes in the honour of this symbol,” he said.
While condemning the act of vandalism at the Dargah, Sadiq maintained that “there could have been a better way to handle it.”
“What happened at Dargah, we condemn it. We do not stand with it and have never supported such acts. Religious sentiments were hurt, and what happened should not have happened.”
He noted that in response, “threatening” people with FIRs and PSA is wrong, and “we condemn such utterances.”
“Instead of apologising, they labelled the people of Kashmir as terrorists. These threats show they want to intimidate the people,” he said.
Sadiq further questioned Andrabi’s authority stating that foundation stones have never carried the emblem anywhere in the country including J&K.
“Whenever foundation stones are laid in the country, including here, the national emblem has never been used. Is the chairperson above them and above the Constitution?”
He also questioned the intent behind the Hazratbal plaque.
“Never before has a foundation stone been laid at the Dargah. What was the motive behind this-was it to hurt religious sentiments?”
Sadiq demanded that police take action over the “misuse” of the emblem and its violation under law.
Meanwhile, NC State Women’s Wing President Shameema Firdous also expressed deep concern over the recent developments at Dargah Hazratbal.
Firdous strongly condemned the actions of Waqf Chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi, accusing her of showing utter disregard and disrespect toward the sanctity of the shrine for political point-scoring.
She said Andrabi’s conduct during the recent event at Hazratbal has not only hurt public sentiment but also exposed her real intentions.
“Andrabi’s actions have backfired, exposing her true political motives to the people,” Shamima said.
She also criticized the iconography used on the inauguration plaque, calling it both legally questionable and deeply offensive to the sentiments of the people.
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