Indian authorities are conducting a mass surveillance operation targeting mosques in Kashmir, sparking widespread fears and accusations of discriminatory policing. The move has been met with opposition from Muslim organizations and critics who argue that it undermines trust between law enforcement and the community.
The Indian police have distributed a four-page form to mosque officials, requesting detailed information about the institution itself, including its ideological affiliation, funding sources, and ownership of land on which it stands. This is just the beginning, as the form also collects personal details of individuals associated with the mosque, such as imams, muezzins, and other clergy members.
Residents say that this level of scrutiny is unprecedented and feels more like an attempt by the state to exert control over Kashmir's traditional religious institutions than a routine survey. The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema, the largest umbrella body of Islamic groups in the region, has denounced the move as an attempt to "control" religious institutions.
Critics argue that this profiling policy raises serious concerns about privacy and freedom of religion. A political analyst noted that a balanced approach is needed to ensure security for everyone while maintaining trust with local communities.
Leaders from various parties have also spoken out against the exercise, with former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti calling it "discriminatory" and aimed at creating fear among Muslims. Imran Nabi Dar, spokesman for the National Conference party, has expressed similar sentiments, stating that there is no need to conduct another survey.
Meanwhile, BJP representatives have defended the move as necessary for accountability and transparency, citing instances of mosques being used for political rallies in the past.
For those living in Kashmir, however, this development brings back memories of a darker period when the region's main mosque was shut down nearly two years ago following India's revocation of Article 370. The restrictions remain, with limits on gatherings for Eid prayers and other significant events.
As tensions continue to simmer in Kashmir, many fear that this profiling operation will become a regular occurrence, turning mosques into "crime scenes" where officials may demand approval over every aspect of religious practice.
The Indian police have distributed a four-page form to mosque officials, requesting detailed information about the institution itself, including its ideological affiliation, funding sources, and ownership of land on which it stands. This is just the beginning, as the form also collects personal details of individuals associated with the mosque, such as imams, muezzins, and other clergy members.
Residents say that this level of scrutiny is unprecedented and feels more like an attempt by the state to exert control over Kashmir's traditional religious institutions than a routine survey. The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema, the largest umbrella body of Islamic groups in the region, has denounced the move as an attempt to "control" religious institutions.
Critics argue that this profiling policy raises serious concerns about privacy and freedom of religion. A political analyst noted that a balanced approach is needed to ensure security for everyone while maintaining trust with local communities.
Leaders from various parties have also spoken out against the exercise, with former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti calling it "discriminatory" and aimed at creating fear among Muslims. Imran Nabi Dar, spokesman for the National Conference party, has expressed similar sentiments, stating that there is no need to conduct another survey.
Meanwhile, BJP representatives have defended the move as necessary for accountability and transparency, citing instances of mosques being used for political rallies in the past.
For those living in Kashmir, however, this development brings back memories of a darker period when the region's main mosque was shut down nearly two years ago following India's revocation of Article 370. The restrictions remain, with limits on gatherings for Eid prayers and other significant events.
As tensions continue to simmer in Kashmir, many fear that this profiling operation will become a regular occurrence, turning mosques into "crime scenes" where officials may demand approval over every aspect of religious practice.
It's like they're trying to get inside everyone's business! But seriously, who needs that much info on mosques and their leaders? Sounds like a recipe for trouble 
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. I mean, what's next? They're gonna ask for our favorite pizza toppings too 
. The Indian police need to get their facts straight and explain what's really going on here. Sources, please? What's the real reason behind this profiling policy? Is it about national security or just plain old-fashioned paranoia? I'm not buying it without some solid evidence 
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just roaming around like they own the place! And then I started thinking, have you ever noticed how nature just doesn't care about our human dramas? Like, the Indian authorities can do whatever they want to those mosques, but what's going to happen when a hurricane comes knocking on Kashmir's doorstep? 
The turkeys didn't build their nests around some government policy, did they? 
this is getting out of hand in Kashmir...India needs to chill on the surveillance thing 
and let the Muslims just worship in peace 
. Profiling people's personal details just 'cause they're associated with a mosque? 
. It's like they're trying to create an atmosphere of fear among the community 
. Kashmiris deserve better than this 
. And what's with all these "accountability" and "transparency" arguments? 
do they really think mosques are some sort of public records office? 
. Let's focus on building trust and not driving people away with more surveillance 
This is super concerning... the fact that they're asking for so much personal info from mosque staff and members feels like an invasion of their privacy 
. I think the Indian authorities need to rethink their approach - instead of profiling, maybe they could try building relationships with these institutions and the people involved? 
It's not about security, it's about trust and understanding between law enforcement and the community 
. We've seen how this kind of thing can lead to divisions and mistrust in the past... let's hope they don't go down that path again 
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we need a balanced approach that respects everyone's rights, including those of religious minorities. and btw, what's up with this profiling policy? doesn't it smell like surveillance?! 
. It's like, India is trying to be all transparent and accountable, but honestly, it feels like they're just fishing for reasons to keep an eye on Muslim communities in Kashmir. I mean, a four-page form asking for personal details of mosque officials? That's not exactly subtle 
. I get where the BJP is coming from with accountability and transparency, but can't they see how this move could be perceived as discriminatory? It's like, India has already been making waves in Kashmir by revoking Article 370, and now they're trying to monitor mosques? Not exactly reassuring for Muslims living there 
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India is like totally surveilling mosques and it's so not cool 
police are asking for personal info and it's just weird 
and have a balanced approach 
i mean whats next gonna be their personal email passwords? 
and it's only gonna make things worse 
her point about discrimination is spot on 
can't the BJP just leave mosques alone?! 
i've seen some vids of protesters holding signs that say "mosques not crime scenes" it's crazy how much fear is being instilled into people. i feel so bad for those affected by this... can we just find a balance between security and freedom, you know? 
plus the fact that residents are saying this feels like an attempt by the state to exert control over traditional religious institutions is super concerning... it's not just about security, it's about respect for people's freedoms & traditions 
the level of surveillance being conducted by Indian authorities on mosques in Kashmir is just mind-blowing! Interest 
how is it going to affect the trust between law enforcement and the Muslim community? The fact that they're collecting personal details of imams, muezzins, and other clergy members is super alarming 
. I just hope they don't end up pushing people away with these profiling ops. Can't we all just get along and respect each other's differences? 
. You got these innocent mosques being asked for info on who's who, and what they believe in... it's just too much 
. I'm all for accountability and transparency, but this is taking it too far 
. I mean, what's next? Asking for personal info on every single Muslim-owned business in the state? 
. The fact that they're targeting ideological affiliation and land ownership is just plain creepy