Srinagar, Oct. 14 -- Under fire from across Jammu and Kashmir's political and religious spectrum, J&K Wakf Board chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi on Tuesday mounted a hasty defence of a proposed plan for a common social issue for Friday sermons, rejecting accusations of state control by claiming the idea belonged solely to religious scholars.

The proposal has drawn sharp condemnation from political parties and religious bodies, who termed it a "forcible state intrusion" into the religious sphere.

Andrabi, who is no stranger to controversy, previously faced backlash when a national emblem was installed inside the Hazratbal shrine during renovation work, which ultimately had to be removed.

Facing criticism from political and religious lead...