Calls for removal of Ashoka Chakra plaque; urges Waqf to uphold Islamic tradition, avoid harsh measures against worshippers
SRINAGAR: Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), the largest conglomerate of religious organisations in J&K headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expresses its serious concern over the recent developments at the revered Hazratbal Shrine, where a plaque bearing the Ashoka Chakra has been installed in connection with refurbishment works.
“Hazratbal is not merely a structure; it is the spiritual heart of the Muslims of Jammu & Kashmir, bound to our faith and identity through centuries of devotion. Any alteration that undermines its sanctity deeply pains the devotional sentiments attached to it,” the MMU said in a statement issued here.
It added, “Islam is explicit in its teachings: no plaques, emblems, figures, or symbols are permitted in mosques or shrines. This principle has been honored across our land for generations. Even when the Hazratbal Shrine was rebuilt in the past, no plaques or foundation stones were placed, out of respect for the injunctions of Shari‘ah and tradition. To introduce them now sets a dangerous and unnecessary precedent.”
The MMU reminded the Waqf Board that such acts are inconsistent with the responsibility entrusted to it under Muslim law and custom. Shrines must remain places of purity, prayer, and humility—not spaces for symbols or displays, it said.
At the same time, MMU said it believes that the reaction of the people to this issue reflects their sincere religious concern. “Filing FIRs against worshippers who protested from the depth of their faith is unjustified and unwarranted. Matters of religion must be resolved with understanding and dialogue, not with harsh punitive measures,” the Majlis said.
The MMU called for the immediate removal of the plaque from Hazratbal and urged the Waqf Board and authorities to consult religious scholars before undertaking any future works at sacred sites.
Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama Jammu and Kashmir includes Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid, Mufti Azam’s Muslim personal law board, Darul Uloom Rahimiyah ,Anjuman Shariee Shian, Jamiate Ahle Hadith, Karwan-e-Islami,Moulana Masroor Abbas Ansari, Anjuman Himayat-ul-Islam, Jamia Sabeel-ul-Huda Bemina Srinagar, Anjuman Tabligh-ul-Islam, Jamiat Hamdania, Anjuman Ulama-e-Ahnaf, Darul Uloom Qasmiya, Darul Uloom Bilaliya, Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam, Anjuman Mazhar-ul-Haq, Jamiat-ul-Aima wal Ulama, Anjuman Aima wa Mashayekh Kashmir, Darul Uloom Naqshbandiya, Darul Uloom Rashidiya, Ahlul Bait Foundation, Madrasa Kanz-ul-Uloom, Idara Gousia Saraibala, Kahkah-i- Hyderia Aishmuqam,Pirwan-e-Wilayat, Auqaf Islamia Khiram Sirhama, Bazm-e-Tauheed Ahle Hadith Trust, Anjuman Tanzeem-ul-Makatib, Muhammadi Yateem Trust, Anjuman Anwar-ul-Islam, Karwan Khatm-e-Nabuwwat, Darul Uloom Syed-ul-Mursaleen, Anjuman Ulama wa Aima Masajid, Madrasa Zia-ul-uloom poonch, Falah-e-Darain Trust Welfare Society Islamabad, Ashraf-ul-Uloom Hyderpora, Darul Uloo