Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], September 7 (ANI): BJP leader Boora Narsaiah Goud on Sunday condemned the vandalism of the Ashoka Emblem at the Hazratbal Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir, calling the incident disturbing and an attack on the nation's identity.

Speaking to ANI, Boora Narsaiah Goud said, '... The incident is disturbing... It also raises a question for every Indian. What is the reason for damaging the national symbol?... It is our national identity... By damaging the national symbol, a group of people and their silent supporters, like Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav and the INDIA alliance, have done a gross and traitorous act... Despite PM Modi doing tremendous development in Kashmir, a small group of people is striking at the root of our national identity, which should not be tolerated...'

A controversy erupted at the revered Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar when a mob vandalised the Ashoka Emblem on the foundation stone, sparking a heated debate about national symbols and religious sentiments.

The Hazratbal Shrine is a revered religious site in Srinagar, housing the holy relic of the Prophet Mohammad.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah questioned the use of the national emblem at the shrine and said, 'The first question is whether the emblem should have been etched on the foundation stone. I have never seen the emblem being used in any religious place. So, what was the compulsion to have the emblem on the stone at Hazratbal Shrine? What was the need to put up the stone? Was work not enough?'

National Conference leader Tanvir Sadiq criticised the installation of the Ashoka Emblem, stating it violated Islamic principles that forbid idol worship.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti demanded action against those responsible, labelling the installation as 'blasphemous' and calling for the disbandment of the Waqf Board.

Imam Bashir Ahamed Usmani of Jamia Masjid Aallain Talab, Udhampur, demanded an inquiry into vandalism at the Hazratbal shrine in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that a religious place has been turned into a 'political ground'. (ANI)