Srinagar, Jan 13: Authorities in Kashmir have initiated a detailed profiling of mosques, madrassas and individuals managing these religious institutions following the busting of a ‘white collar’ terror module last year, officials said.
As part of the exercise, a proforma has been distributed to village numberdars to collect comprehensive details of mosques, madrassas, their imams, teachers and management committee members. The enumeration drive is primarily focused on scrutinising the financial aspects of these institutions, including sources of funds for construction and day-to-day expenses.
Officials said that, in addition to basic information, imams and madrassa teachers have been asked to submit details of Aadhaar cards, bank accounts, property ownership, social media handles, passports, ATM cards, ration cards, driving licences, SIM cards and mobile phone models along with IMEI numbers.
A senior official said the objective is to create a comprehensive database of religious institutions and persons associated with them. He added that investigations into the ‘white collar’ terror module, busted in November last year, revealed that some accused were radicalised through madrassas or social media, while the role of certain imams had also come under scrutiny.
The proforma also seeks information on the Muslim sect—Barelvi, Deobandi, Hanafi or Ahle Hadeeth—followed by the mosque or madrassa. Officials said the growing influence of puritanical Islam, which rejects Kashmir’s traditionally dominant Sufi practices, is being viewed as a contributing factor to youth radicalisation.
Those associated with these institutions have also been asked to disclose any past involvement in terrorist or subversive activities, including pending cases or convictions.
The move follows the unearthing of a major inter-state ‘white collar’ terror network by Jammu and Kashmir Police, with assistance from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana Police. Nine persons, including three doctors, were arrested and 2,900 kg of explosives seized. The module, linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, operated across Kashmir, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
Investigations revealed a sophisticated terror ecosystem involving radicalised professionals and students allegedly in touch with handlers based in Pakistan and other countries. (Agencies)
