Tracking Kashmiris abroad: Modi govt deputes IIOJK police to Saudi Arabia for Hajj
Srinagar: In a move raising serious concerns over the monitoring of Kashmiris abroad, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Indian government has deputed four police officers from Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) to the Consulate General of India in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, under the pretext of facilitating Hajj arrangements, sparking fears of surveillance during the holy pilgrimage.
According to Kashmir Media Service, official orders issued by the IIOJK Home Department said the officers have been appointed as Hajj Officers/Superintendents for Hajj–2026 and will assume duties from April 6 following their selection by the Hajj Committee of India.
The deputed officials include Peerzada Aijaz Ahmad, Mohammad Muzaffar Jan, Shahzada Kabir Matoo, and Burhan ul Haq Kanth.
While authorities claim the deputation is aimed at ensuring smooth administration and effective management of pilgrims, Kashmir watchers argue such deployments are aimed at monitoring Kashmiri pilgrims in Saudi Arabia under the guise of official duties.
The development has intensified concerns over the extension of surveillance mechanisms beyond borders, particularly targeting Kashmiris even during religious obligations like Hajj, raising serious questions about civil liberties and freedom of worship.
