Police profiling of mosques as crime sites is an attempt to strip Muslims of faith: Mehbooba Mufti

Police profiling of mosques in Kashmir amounts to “interference into religious affairs” and an “attempt to divest Muslims of their faith”, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti said on Wednesday (January 14, 2025). The ruling National Conference (NC) has also asked Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to clarify his stand on the issue.

“Mosques in Kashmir are profiled as crime sites. Like overground workers, imams and caretakers are summoned to police stations. This has created fear among worshippers and caretakers. It’s not only interference in religious affairs but also an attempt to divest Muslims of their faith,” Ms. Mufti said. 

She questioned the J&K police’s focus on mosques alone. “Why not profile temples on the basis of caste? Will temples, gurudwaras, or churches face the same? Profiling of mosques, which started in J&K, will soon spread across the country,” Ms. Mufti said. 

Extensive personal data

She was commenting on recent forms distributed among Valley mosques, seeking personal data about all those connected with running and managing mosques. This includes family particulars, financial information, phone details, digital and social media profiles, passport details, travel history and even phone IMEI details.

Ms. Mufti accused the Omar Abdullah-led government of remaining silent on the issue. 

Meanwhile, NC leader and MP Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan said the ongoing police verification of mosques was “unwarranted”. 

‘Order issued by L-G office’

“The order related to mosque verification had not been issued by the elected government. The J&K police function under the Lieutenant Governor’s office,” Mr. Ramzan said, adding that no such exercise had been carried out in the past. “Only the Lieutenant Governor could explain the purpose behind the move. Any action perceived as interference in religious matters amounts to intrusion,” he said.

He added that the restoration of full Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir will allow an elected government to take control of law and order issues. “Statehood should be restored in the same manner as it existed earlier,” he said.

Commenting on the termination of five employees over alleged terror links on Tuesday, Mr. Ramzan said, “Actions should follow due process. Individuals must be given an opportunity to defend themselves. Punitive measures often impact entire families.” Such steps are unnecessary, he said.