Jammu Kashmir
Don’t Politicise Religious Matters: CM Omar Defends DC Kishtwar’s Order on Charity Regulation
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday urged legislators not to politicise religious issues, clarifying that the recent order issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar to regulate charity donations during Ramadan was based on local inputs and not an arbitrary decision.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister said objections were raised by MLA Bandipora and MLA Bashir Veeri during earlier proceedings, alleging government interference in religious matters. He clarified that the administration acted after concerns were flagged by local religious leaders and community committees.
“They collect money in the name of patients or charity, but there is no accountability regarding where the funds are used. Sometimes, it is not even known whether the patient in whose name money is raised is alive or not,” the Chief Minister said.
He maintained that the objective of the order is to ensure transparency and accountability in charitable collections, and not to interfere with religious practices.
