Mehbooba Mufti slams mosque profiling in Kashmir as a faith attack
Mehbooba Mufti slams mosque profiling in Kashmir as a faith attack
Mehbooba Mufti denounces police profiling of mosques in Kashmir, calling it an intrusion into religious life and a potential move to disenfranchise Muslims, as political leaders demand clarity.
Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday condemned the move to profile mosques in Kashmir, saying it amounts to interference in religious life and a bid to divest Muslims of their faith. The former chief minister and PDP president argued that mosques, with imams and caretakers, have been asked to submit extensive personal data, including family details, finances, phone numbers, social media profiles, passport information, travel histories, and even phone IMEI numbers. She warned such profiling creates fear among worshippers and could set a precedent for profiling places of worship across the country.
Leaders from the National Conference echoed concerns. NC MP Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan said the mosque verification order was not issued by the elected government, noting that the J&K police function under the Lieutenant Governor’s office. He added that the purpose behind the move should be explained by the LG, and that any action perceived as intrusion into religious matters was a cause for worry.
Muslim bodies in the valley described the exercise as intrusive and threatening. They questioned why temples, gurudwaras, or churches were not subjected to similar profiling. The uproar comes amid forms being distributed in Valley mosques requesting details about those connected to running and managing mosques, raising concerns that this could spread beyond Kashmir.
Supporters of a more cautious approach argue for clear, data-protected procedures and insist security needs must be balanced with civil liberties. Critics warn that such moves can inflame tensions and fuel distrust between communities and authorities. The issue has thrust the LG’s office into the spotlight as debates over security, faith, and governance play out in Kashmir.
