MMU voices concern over intrusive police profiling of mosques in IIOJK
Srinagar: Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), the largest conglomerate of Islamic religious bodies in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), has expressed serious concern over an ongoing exercise by Indian police aimed at collecting extensive and intrusive data about mosques, their management committees, Imams, Khatibs, associated staff, and even their family members.
According to Kashmir Media Service, police have distributed detailed multi-page forms demanding highly personal and sensitive information, including identification details, family particulars, financial information, phone details, digital and social-media profiles, passport details, travel history and mobile phone IMEI numbers and other personal data of all those connected with mosques across the territory. Besides, ideological or sectarian identification of these religious institutions are also being sought.
In a statement issued in Srinagar, the MMU said that the unprecedented and invasive data-collection exercise has caused widespread anxiety among religious institutions, imams, Khateebs and the public in general. The MMU categorically said that the exercise is in complete violation of fundamental rights, including the right to privacy and protection of personal information, even as guaranteed under the Indian constitution. It stressed that mosques are sacred institutions meant for worship, guidance and community service, and that their internal religious affairs cannot be subjected to arbitrary surveillance and intrusive scrutiny.
The MMU further said, “The nature and depth of information being sought goes far beyond any routine administrative requirement raising serious questions of intent, reflecting an attempt to control and regulate religious institutions through coercive means and checks,” the statement said. It added that the fact the exercise targets only the Muslim community of IIOJK makes the motives even more suspect.
The MMU warned that such an exercise must be stopped forthwith, as it creates fear among religious functionaries and sends a disturbing message to the Muslim community of IIOJK. It described the exercise as unjustified, counterproductive and harmful to social harmony.
Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema urged the IIOJK administration to withdraw the data-collection exercise without delay, respect the autonomy of religious institutions, and uphold the constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, privacy and dignity.
