Since I began analyzing Kashmir and its population socially, culturally, and historically, one thing became clear very quickly: Kashmiris are by nature emotional, vulnerable, and gullible. I say this because history repeatedly shows it. Whether it is a religious cleric or a political leader, they always know which nerve to hit to influence people. Kashmir is undoubtedly a Muslim-majority region, and religion has long been used as a tool to polarize the population for political gain. This is not limited to politics alone. Religious clerics from different fiqas have often interpreted Islam in ways that support their narratives and mobilize followers. Every cleric today commands a distinct group of devotees. Rightly or wrongly, Kashmiris are emotional and trusting, and this characteristic has been exploited by political leaders for generations. In the recent Dargah Hazratbal controversy, opinions varied widely, but few offered a complete, intellectual analysis of the incident. In this article, I aim to dissect the situation and provide context and clarity around the events that unfolded.
Let’s be honest with ourselves, my fellow Kashmiris. Were we even aware of Waqf as an institution a few years ago? The answer is no. Under different state governments, the Waqf was directly controlled by them. A common Kashmiri never knew who the chairperson was, who held other key appointments, or how decisions were made. Until recently, when Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi became chairperson, we learned that these allies hadn’t even paid that nominal rent since 2010. If this isn’t blatant injustice, what is? I am not here to detail all of Dr. Darakhshan’s reforms, but to give readers historical context before moving forward. The point is simple: we didn’t know what Waqf truly was until very recently.
Since its existence, the Hazratbal Shrine had never seen an interior renovation of this scale. The recent refurbishment transformed the shrine to a level comparable to some shrines in Iran or Turkey. It raises questions, did Waqf lack the funds all these years, or did the money simply never reach the places that deserved it? The renovation, overseen by Chairperson Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi, included traditional Kashmiri craftsmanship, modern amenities, and a clear display of the National Emblem on its foundation stone. As soon as the emblem was noticed, a wave of outrage emerged, claiming it opposed the principles of Islam, since no idols or symbols should be inside a mosque or shrine. I agree with the basic principle, but the reaction begs context. Why was there no such outrage in 2017 when the emblem appeared on a government poster? The issue is not faith, it is politics.
National Emblem is our pride, and we respect it. If a symbol truly violates religious principles, it should be addressed respectfully. But the way this incident was politicized and sensationalized at Hazratbal is unacceptable. Vandalism is never an option. The concerned parties could have approached Dr. Darakhshan, and a solution would have been reached without hurting religious sentiments or national pride. For perspective, why do we carry cash with the emblem into mosques? Why do our phones, which carry content forbidden in Islam, not create outrage? This controversy highlights a recurring truth about Kashmiris, they are emotional and trusting.. Faith and nationalism can coexist, but manipulation of religion for political gain has no place in today’s Kashmir. If similar issues arise in temples, churches, or gurudwaras, the approach must be respectful and lawful. Hartals, vandalism, and violence must remain relics of the past. Islam is our faith, and nationalism is our pride. Both deserve protection and respect.
The Hazratbal controversy is more than a dispute over a symbol. It is a reflection of how politics and power have long exploited faith in Kashmir. Today, we see Waqf finally functioning with transparency, shrines being renovated, and ordinary Kashmiris beginning to understand the institutions that serve their community. This should be a moment for reflection, not manipulation. Faith is sacred, and nationalism is our pride. They are not opposing forces, they can and must coexist. The lesson is clear: we cannot let emotion and gullibility be tools for political gain. True devotion respects both Deen and the nation, and that is the path forward for a new Kashmir.

Email:-----------------------soulofkashmir1@gmail.com