SRINAGAR: National Conference leader and Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday termed the alleged profiling of mosques, madrassas and Imams by the police in Jammu and Kashmir as an infringement of religious freedom guaranteed under the Constitution.
Addressing reporters, Mehdi said that multiple layers of surveillance already exist in the Union Territory, including by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Intelligence Bureau (IB) and paramilitary forces.
“There are already so many layers of surveillance. This intimidation and profiling is a clear infringement of the constitutional right to practise religion freely,” he said.
Authorities have reportedly initiated a process to collect detailed information about mosques, madrassas and individuals associated with the management of religious institutions following the busting of a so-called ‘white-collar’ terror module last year.
As part of the exercise, a proforma has allegedly been distributed to village numberdars (village-level revenue officials) seeking details of mosques, madrassas, Imams, teachers and members of management committees.
Mehdi questioned the necessity of the exercise, stating that the government already possesses extensive personal data through Aadhaar and other official documents.
“This profiling is aimed at intimidating a specific class of people from a particular religion who are involved in religious preaching,” he alleged.
The NC leader further claimed that the move appeared to be politically motivated.
“It seems to be an exercise by the BJP and the RSS to control mosques. It looks like Imams may be asked to deliver sermons approved by the BJP or even dictated by the RSS,” he said.
Commenting on the situation in Iran, Mehdi said that while differences may exist between the regime and the opposition, external forces should refrain from interfering in the country’s internal affairs.
“The so-called champions of democracy should sit this one out. They appear to be attempting to replace an elected government with a former dictator,” he said.
