Srinagar, Jan 13: Authorities in Kashmir have initiated a profiling exercise of mosques, madrassas and individuals associated with their management following the busting of a so-called “white-collar” terror module last year, officials said. The move, however, has triggered sharp criticism from political and religious leaders, who have termed it an infringement of constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.
Officials said a detailed proforma has been distributed through village numberdars to collect information about mosques, madrassas, imams, teachers and members of management committees. The exercise primarily focuses on creating a database and examining the financial aspects of these institutions, including sources of funding for construction and daily operations.
According to officials, besides basic details, imams and madrassa teachers have been asked to provide extensive personal information such as Aadhaar details, bank accounts, property ownership, social media handles, passport details, ATM cards, ration cards, driving licences, SIM cards and mobile phone particulars, including IMEI numbers.
A senior official said the profiling drive aims to build a comprehensive record of religious institutions and individuals associated with them. He said investigations into the “white-collar” terror module, busted in November last year, revealed that some accused were radicalised through madrassas or online platforms. “The role of certain religious figures has also come under scrutiny during the probe,” the official said.
The proforma also seeks information on the religious sect followed by each mosque or madrassa, such as Barelvi, Deobandi, Hanafi or Ahle Hadeeth. Officials said the growing influence of puritanical interpretations of Islam, which differ from Kashmir’s traditionally dominant Sufi practices, is viewed as one of the factors contributing to youth radicalisation.
Those associated with mosques and madrassas have also been asked to disclose any past involvement in terrorist or subversive activities, including pending cases or convictions.
National Conference MP from Srinagar, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, criticised the exercise, calling it an infringement of the constitutional right to practise religion. He said multiple layers of surveillance already exist through intelligence and security agencies, and this additional profiling amounts to intimidation. “This appears to be an attempt to target a specific religious group and control religious spaces,” Mehdi alleged.
The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), an amalgam of major religious organisations in Jammu and Kashmir, also expressed serious concern over what it described as an intrusive data collection drive. In a statement, the MMU said multi-page forms were being circulated seeking sensitive personal, financial and digital information not only of religious functionaries but also of their families.
The MMU said the nature and extent of information sought goes far beyond routine administrative requirements and violates fundamental rights, including the right to privacy. “Mosques are sacred institutions meant for worship and community guidance. Subjecting them to arbitrary surveillance raises serious questions about intent,” it said.
The profiling exercise follows the busting of a “white-collar” terror module by Jammu and Kashmir Police, with assistance from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana Police, in November last year. Nine persons, including three doctors, were arrested, and nearly 2,900 kg of explosive material was seized. The network, linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, operated across Kashmir, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
Police said the investigation uncovered a terror ecosystem involving radicalised professionals and students in contact with foreign handlers, marking a significant shift in the nature of terror recruitment and operations.
Profiling of religious institutions infringement of rights: Ruhulla
Srinagar, Jan 13 : National Conference leader Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday said the profiling of mosques, madrassas and Imams by police in Jammu and Kashmir was an infringement of the religious freedom guaranteed under the Constitution.
“There are already so many layers of surveillance, by CID, IB and the paramilitary forces. This intimidation and surveillance is an infringement of the right to practice religion guaranteed by the Constitution,” Mehdi, the Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar, told reporters here.
Authorities have started a process of profiling mosques, madrassas and persons associated with the management of religious institutions in the Union territory, following the busting of the ‘white collar’ terror module last year.
A proforma has been given to village numberdars (village-level revenue staff) for getting details of mosques, madrassas, Imams, teachers and management committee members of these institutions.
“They (police) already have details by virtue of Aadhaar and other documents. This profiling is an attempt to intimidate the specific class of people from a particular religion who are involved in preaching the religion,” Mehdi said.
He alleged that the profiling seems to be an exercise by the BJP and the RSS to control the mosques.
“It looks like Imams would be told to deliver sermons which are approved by the BJP or maybe sent by the RSS,” the MP said.
On the situation in Iran, Mehdi said there might be differences between the regime and opposition in the country, but outside forces should not meddle in their internal affairs.
“The champions of democracy should sit this one out as they are seeking to replace an elected government by a former dictator,” he said.
