People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday expressed strong concern over the reported profiling of mosques, imams and mohalla committees in Kashmir, saying the move has created fear and distress across the Valley.
Addressing media persons at the party headquarters, Mufti said that seeking detailed personal information of those associated with mosques through a five-page proforma reflects a “dangerous and vicious trend” that could later be extended to other parts of the country.
She said members of mosque committees, madrassa teachers and heads of religious institutions are being asked to share sensitive personal details, including bank information, which has left many traumatised. “Even respected members of society associated with masjids are not being spared,” she said.
Mufti termed the exercise an attempt to interfere in religious affairs and questioned why only one community was being targeted. She added that authorities already possess records related to mosques, including land and institutional details, making the fresh profiling exercise unnecessary.
Calling it an act of intimidation, the PDP chief alleged that the move was aimed at pressuring religious institutions and diverting people from their faith.
