Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed the controversy surrounding a viral video showing a mob allegedly tarnishing the national emblem on the foundation stone of Hazratbal Shrine. “The first question is whether the emblem should have been etched on the foundation stone. I have never seen the emblem being used in any religious function. So, what was the compulsion to have the emblem on the stone at Hazratbal Shrine? What was the need to put up the stone? Was just work not enough?” Abdullah questioned.

The Chief Minister further noted, “Hazratbal Shrine was given this form by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. Did he put up such stones anywhere? People remember his work, despite his not putting up a stone for himself. Government emblems are used only at government functions. Mosques, dargah, temples, Gurdwara are not government places, these are religious places; government emblems are not used there.”