Kashmir is currently witnessing a political storm over the defacing of the national emblem at the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar and the controversy surrounding the Eid-e-Milad holiday. The incident at the Hazratbal Shrine, a revered religious site, has triggered outrage and accusations, further exacerbating the already tense political climate in the region.

On Friday, following congregational prayers, a group of unidentified individuals defaced an inauguration plaque bearing the National Emblem of India at the Hazratbal Shrine. This act of vandalism has been widely condemned, with the J&K Waqf Board chairperson and BJP leader, Darakhshan Andrabi, directly blaming the National Conference (NC) for instigating the incident. Andrabi has demanded strict action against those responsible, calling the act a "terrorist attack" and an "attack on the Constitution". She has further requested the police to file an FIR against a politician who tweeted about the issue.

The placement of the National Emblem on the inauguration plaque had already drawn criticism. NC chief spokesperson and legislator Tanvir Sadiq had objected to it, stating that "idol worship is strictly forbidden in Islam" and that "sacred spaces must reflect only the purity of Tawheed". He argued that placing a sculpted figure at the Hazratbal Dargah goes against Islamic beliefs. Former J&K Director General of Police S.P. Vaid criticized Sadiq's statement, emphasizing that the National Emblem is part of India's Constitution and that his words could fuel radical mindsets.

Adding fuel to the fire, a controversy has erupted over the date of the Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi holiday. The Lieutenant Governor (LG)-led J&K administration has been criticized by politicians and religious clerics for not rescheduling the holiday to Saturday, in accordance with the lunar calendar. Instead, the administration observed the holiday on Friday, a day earlier than the actual date of commencement of Eid-e-Milad, which marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad.

This decision has upset many, including Omar Abdullah's National Conference, who view it as a deliberate attempt to hurt the sentiments of the people. Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Nasir-ul-Islam, and head cleric of Srinagar's Jamia Masjid, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, have also expressed their displeasure.

The Hazratbal Shrine holds immense significance for Muslim devotees, especially on Eid-e-Milad, when a sacred relic, a strand of Prophet Muhammad's hair (Moi-e-Muqqadas), is displayed. The shrine, located on the banks of the Dal Lake, attracts thousands of visitors for prayers and to witness the relic. The recent renovation of the shrine was inaugurated on September 3rd.

In the wake of the emblem defacing, Andrabi stated that the shrine had been "adorned like a bride for the first time in 42 years" and appreciated nationwide. She also alleged that the incident was not spontaneous but deliberately engineered by political workers.

The National Conference has responded by emphasizing that the Hazratbal shrine should remain above controversy and reflect the sensitivities of devotees and the principles of faith. They have called for unity, mutual respect, and dignity for all faiths.

PDP Leader Zuhaib Yousf Mir reacted to the Hazratbal incident and Milad holiday issue stating that he respects all religions, but a mosque is not the correct place for an emblem. He also stated that the government is destabilizing the harmony of Kashmir.

The events at the Hazratbal Shrine and the Eid-e-Milad holiday controversy have underscored the complex political and religious dynamics in Kashmir. The incidents have sparked a war of words between political parties and raised concerns about the potential for further unrest in the region.