Srinagar

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday strongly criticised the profiling of mosques and imams in Kashmir, calling it a direct intrusion into the religious affairs of Muslims and an attempt to intimidate the community.

Addressing reporters in Srinagar, the former chief minister said that if religious institutions were to be subjected to profiling, the exercise should not be limited to mosques alone.

“The recent directive seeking details of mosques is an interference in our religious matters. If such profiling is really required, then it should begin with other religions as well. Let authorities collect information about priests in temples, where Shudras are allowed entry and where only Brahmins can go,” Mufti said.

She also questioned whether similar scrutiny would be applied to temple finances. “They should also gather details about the money people are made to pay to enter temples,” she added.

Mufti pointed out that the police already possess records regarding the number of mosques in Jammu and Kashmir and the land they occupy. However, she said the fresh demand for personal details of imams and mosque officials—including photographs and Aadhaar information—appears aimed at discouraging people from practising their faith.

“This kind of extensive profiling is meant to scare Muslims away from their religion in Jammu and Kashmir,” she alleged.

According to the PDP chief, the exercise has created fear among imams and mosque management committees. She said the five-page proforma used for data collection treats religious functionaries as suspects rather than respected community figures.

“The format makes it seem as if they are overground workers. Just like OGWs are summoned and harassed at police stations, mosques are being treated as if they are crime scenes,” Mufti said.

She challenged the government to apply the same standards to other religious institutions, including gurdwaras and churches.

Expressing concern that such measures could be extended beyond the region, Mufti said she feared a similar profiling drive could be implemented for mosques across the country.

“First they targeted waqf properties, and now they are moving towards mosques that are not even waqf assets. They are even asking about religious sects. What business does the government have with the sect a person belongs to?” she asked, adding that mosques are open to all Muslims and do not impose social barriers like caste-based restrictions.

Mufti criticised the government’s silence on the issue, saying authorities routinely deflect responsibility by blaming the PDP or her family. “They have no answers, so they resort to accusations,” she said.

Commenting on the recent dismissal of five government employees, the PDP leader questioned the lack of due process. “Are people being terminated merely on allegations? Were they given a chance to defend themselves in a court of law? This reflects deep-seated hostility,” she said.

On demands by some BJP leaders for a separate Jammu state, Mufti warned that Jammu would be the biggest loser if such a move were implemented. “Even the suspension of the Darbar Move in 2019 made people in Jammu restless. A separate state would only worsen their situation,” she said.

She said the controversy surrounding the proposed National Law University was for Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to resolve.

Reacting to Abdullah’s remarks on the Indus Water Treaty, Mufti accused him of echoing the BJP’s position. “Weaponising water is against humanity. Stopping water flow to any country is inhuman,” she said.

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She also questioned the loss of hydropower resources in Jammu and Kashmir, referring to power projects handed over to the NHPC in earlier years. “Will the Centre compensate the people of J-K for the massive losses suffered because these projects were given away at throwaway prices?” she asked.