SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 12: National Conference (NC) president Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Friday visited the revered Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar, accompanied by his son and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to offer prayers a week after controversy erupted over the installation of a plaque bearing the national emblem inside the mosque premises.
Speaking to reporters after the visit, Abdullah underscored the urgent need for crop insurance in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly for fruit growers whose livelihoods remain vulnerable to erratic weather and frequent natural calamities. “Our people still do not understand the importance of crop insurance. Unless we adopt it widely, the sector will continue to suffer irreparable losses,” he warned, urging policymakers to expand awareness and ensure farmers are supported.
At Hazratbal, which houses the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad, Abdullah prayed for peace, harmony, and brotherhood across communities. “I prayed for forgiveness of our sins, for relief to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and for the preservation of bonds between Hindus and Muslims. Our shared brotherhood is the real strength of India,” he said.
The visit came against the backdrop of last week’s controversy when a plaque featuring the Ashoka emblem was placed in the shrine complex, sparking criticism and its subsequent vandalization. Abdullah strongly condemned the decision of the J&K Waqf Board, asserting that the national emblem belongs in official spaces, not religious institutions, and demanded accountability along with a public apology.
Reflecting on global conflicts, Abdullah also drew parallels with the ongoing crisis in Gaza, remarking that Muslims across the world are enduring suffering. “We must seek God, embrace honesty, and abandon corruption. Unless we turn sincerely towards Him, injustice, theft, and hardships will persist,” he said, urging a moral and spiritual renewal.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also joined devotees on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, participating in Magrib prayers and praying for peace, prosperity, and stability in the Union Territory. Following the prayers, Dr. Abdullah was among those who received a glimpse of the sacred relic, highlighting the spiritual significance of the gathering.