Jammu, Sept 07: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Executive Member Raman Suri on Sunday condemned the “shameful and reprehensible” act of breaking the Ashoka symbol inscribed on a plaque at Hazratbal Dargah.
“Such incidents not only insult the nation but also hurt the sentiments of millions of Indians who hold national symbols in the highest esteem,” he said in a statement issued here.
Suri said that national symbols such as the Ashoka emblem and the tricolour are not mere signs carved on stone or cloth; they are emblems of sovereignty, integrity, and pride of the nation, respected by the President of India, Prime Minister, Governors, Ministers, and Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts. To vandalise or desecrate them is a crime against the entire country, he said.
The BJP leader welcomed the swift action of police in rounding up some suspects and demanded that the real culprits be arrested at the earliest and strict legal action be taken against them under the law of the land. “The accused must be made to realise that these national emblems and flags do not interfere with anyone’s religious affairs. They are purely symbols of government authority and national pride,” he said.
Referring to the debate over the presence of such symbols outside religious places, Suri said that if religious institutions can accept development projects executed with public funds, then there is nothing wrong in having plaques or plates bearing government symbols. Rejecting such symbols while accepting taxpayer-funded projects is sheer hypocrisy, he added.
The BJP leader further said that while people and some political leaders may try to give excuses or justifications, no reason can ever justify insulting or breaking a national emblem. “What should have happened was that those who attempted to vandalise the symbol should have been stopped immediately. Unfortunately, some leaders chose to support or remain silent, which is equally condemnable,” he said.
He reminded that public sentiments are deeply attached to national symbols and everyone must respect them irrespective of political or religious leanings. “We cannot insult national emblems in the name of freedom of expression,” he asserted, adding that freedom must always operate within the framework of law and national unity.
Suri cautioned that even a small incident here has the potential to act as a spark that separatist and anti-national elements try to exploit. “It is, therefore, necessary to avoid such incidents and deal with them strictly,” he said. “Such acts, if unchecked, can snowball into larger law-and-order issues,” he warned.
He added that Hazratbal Shrine is a sacred place which contains the relic of Prophet Mohammad and has always stood as a symbol of faith and unity. “Anyone trying to disturb peace must be dealt with according to the law of the land,” Suri said. “National symbols are the pride of India. They unite us, inspire us, and represent our collective identity. Any insult to them is an insult to every Indian.”
