Pulwama: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday condemned the arrest of several people in connection with the recent Hazratbal controversy, saying such detentions should not have taken place.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to AIIMS Awantipora in Pulwama, Omar described the Hazratbal incident as unfortunate and questioned the rationale behind installing a plaque bearing the national emblem inside the revered shrine. “The person who made the first mistake has not yet apologized, and neither was I made to understand why it was done,” he said.
He recalled that the shrine was inaugurated by his grandfather and former J&K Prime Minister Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, who never chose to erect any stone inside. “The erection of plaque inside the Hazratbal was not a good step,” Omar noted.
On the arrest of Doda MLA Mehraj Malik, Omar said he would first seek details before making further comments.
During his visit, the Chief Minister also took stock of facilities at AIIMS Awantipora. [KNT]
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