Police collecting details on mosques and madarasas in Kashmir

Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir) – Controversy has intensified in Kashmir following the removal of government employees accused of aiding jihadi terrorists from service and the ongoing Police verification of mosques in the Valley. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a campaign across the entire Valley to collect detailed information on mosques and religious functionaries. This includes personal, financial, and ideological information. Maulavis, political leaders, and civil society organisations have expressed concern over this order.

What information is being collected?

1. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have initiated a process in the Valley to gather comprehensive details of mosques. Under this process, many mosques and individuals associated with them have been given a four-page form. This form has been sent to several mosques in different parts of Kashmir. One page seeks information about the mosque itself, while the remaining three pages seek details about individuals involved in management and religious activities.

2. The section related to the mosque seeks information on denomination, seating capacity, physical structure, construction cost, monthly expenses, sources of funding, land ownership, and management committees. The remaining pages seek personal details of individuals holding positions such as the Imam (who leads prayers in the mosque), Muezzin (who calls Muslims to prayer five times a day), Khatib (who delivers guidance after Friday afternoon prayers), members of the mosque management committee, and Bait-ul-Mal (the public treasury of an Islamic state—funds meant for Islamic purposes). As part of this process, details such as Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID, passport, and driving license numbers, along with bank account information, ATM, and credit card details, are being sought.

3. The form also asks for details such as the model of mobile phones used by individuals associated with mosques, IMEI numbers (International Mobile Equipment Identity), social media accounts, travel history, income and expenditure, property ownership, and information about relatives residing abroad.

4. Family details are also being sought, including information about parents, siblings, and children. Additionally, applicants are required to disclose whether they have previously been involved in terrorist or criminal cases. Information regarding ideological affiliations related to mosques is also being sought.

Sharp criticism by Mehbooba Mufti

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti has sharply criticised the government’s decision. She said that the new order to collect information on mosques amounts to direct interference in religion. She added that the government should conduct a similar exercise in temples as well, decide which groups are allowed to visit which temples—because Dalit children are beaten if they enter temples belonging to another group. Collecting information on mosques, she said, is an open threat aimed at keeping Muslims away from mosques. She alleged that collecting photographs of imams, Aadhaar cards, and personal information is being done deliberately to instill fear among Muslims.

Concerns of religious organisations

Maqtoob Mirwaiz Hasan Firdousi, president of the Mutahida Aima Forum, said that this process is a complete violation of fundamental rights, privacy, and personal data protection. Mosques are sacred places of worship, guidance, and social service. Arbitrary surveillance and intrusive enquiries into their internal religious affairs should not be conducted. The nature and depth of the information being sought far exceed any routine administrative requirement. This raises serious questions about the intent of the process and suggests an attempt to exert control and regulation over religious places through coercive verification.