'India Is Dar-ul-Aman, Not Dar-ul-Islam' Says Prakash Ambedkar Condemning Vandalism Of State Emblem At Hazratbal Shrine

Vanchit Bahujan Agadi leader Prakash Ambedkar has strongly condemned the vandalism of the State Emblem of India at Srinagar’s Hazratbal shrine, calling it a direct insult to a symbol that belongs to every citizen of the country.

In a post on X, Prakash said he “strongly condemns” the defacement of the Lion Capital of Ashoka, asserting that the emblem represents the unity and sovereignty of India and not the identity of any single community or group.

Taking aim at those responsible, he cautioned that by supporting such acts, Muslims were risking isolating themselves from the national mainstream. He added that India was “Dar-ul-Aman, not Dar-ul-Islam,” underscoring that the country is defined by peace and inclusivity rather than sectarian identity.

The controversy erupted after a plaque featuring the national emblem was vandalised inside the Hazratbal shrine during Friday prayers (5 September).

Police have registered a case under the Prevention of Insults to the National Honour Act and detained several people based on CCTV footage.

The incident has triggered a political storm in Jammu and Kashmir, with parties divided over the placement of the emblem inside a religious site.

Prakash’s remarks have added a sharper edge to the debate, turning the focus on whether attacks on national symbols threaten to widen social fault lines and weaken India’s pluralist ethos.

Jammu and Kashmir Police detained 26 people after CCTV footage identified those involved in defacing the national emblem on a renovation plaque at Srinagar’s Hazratbal shrine.

The emblem’s placement sparked widespread anger among local leaders and worshippers, with PDP and NC leaders arguing that displaying sculpted figures in a place of worship violates Islamic principles.

Mehbooba Mufti termed the act “blasphemy,” while Omar Abdullah questioned why the emblem was installed at the shrine in the first place.

Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the vandalism, whereas Waqf Board chief Darakshan Andrabi sought strict legal action against the accused.

The incident has triggered political controversy and raised questions over mixing religious sentiments with state symbols.

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