Srinagar, Sep 1 (JKNS): Rulling Omar Abdullah Led National Conference on Monday slammed reports claiming that Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was unable to access the main sanctum of the Hazratbal shrine this week.
In a post, NC Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar as per news agency JKNS wrote, “Fake news. @OmarAbdullah Sb is the CM of J&K and no one can stop him from entering the Sanctum Sanctorum of Dargah Hazratbal. I request the reputable @ttindia to ascertain facts before putting the questionable version out in public domain and don’t fall to BJP propaganda.”
Earlier, The Telegraph had reported that Omar Abdullah reportedly faced hurdles in entering the key shrine, which is considered a former power centre of the NC. Eyewitnesses had said the chief minister could only peer through the glass of the under-construction main hall during his visit to review arrangements for the ongoing Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi festival.
Telegraph had further reported that the main hall has been under renovation for the last eight months, with daily prayers currently held in a side hall. Ply-sheets were reportedly erected to block the view of the main hall ahead of a planned inauguration.
Eyewitnesses said Omar, accompanied by senior officers, was received by Waqf Board Chairperson Dararkshan Andrabi, a BJP leader. “Omar sahab entered the shrine through the VIP gate, where Andrabi presented a bouquet to him. He wanted to enter the main hall but was politely told it would be inaugurated in a few days and nobody was allowed in,” quoting eyewitness The Telegraph reported.
Imran Nabi Dar’s statement reiterated that Omar Abdullah’s access to the Hazratbal sanctum has never been blocked and criticised what he called attempts to politicise the matter.
NC spokesperson urged the media to verify facts and avoid propagating unverified reports, which he said were part of a BJP-driven narrative. (JKNS)
