Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a large-scale exercise to collect detailed information on mosques across the Kashmir Valley, along with data on their imams, muezzins, management committee members and charity wings, according to a report in The Indian Express.
According to the report, the exercise seeks details about the sect, capacity, construction cost, monthly budget and funding sources of mosques. It also asks for extensive personal information of individuals associated with these religious institutions, including mobile phone models, IMEI numbers, and details of social media accounts, ATM cards, ration cards and credit cards.
The report said a four-page form has been circulated in several parts of the Valley, with one page dedicated to mosque-related information and three pages meant for personal details of those managing or serving the mosques.
As per the report, this is the first time police are collecting information on mosques and their members on such a scale. Beyond identifying the ideological sect of a mosque such as Barelvi, Hanafi, Deobandi or Ahle-Hadith, the form seeks details about the physical structure, number of floors, approximate construction cost and funding sources. It also asks for information on monthly budgets, bank accounts, management structure and the nature of land on which mosques are built.
The report further said complete family details of mosque management committee members, imams, muezzins, khateebs and members of the Bait-ul-Maal have been sought, along with personal information such as date of birth, phone numbers, email addresses and educational qualifications.
According to the report, individuals have also been asked to provide passport details, travel history, information about relatives living abroad, voter ID numbers, Aadhaar details, driving licence numbers, ration card details, bank account information, PAN, as well as details of ATM and credit cards.
The report added that the form also seeks information on monthly income and expenditure, property ownership with estimated values, past involvement in militancy or criminal activities, social media presence and mobile applications used. Family details including parents, siblings and children have also been sought.
As per the report, the exercise has caused unease among many in the Valley, with some describing it as interference in religious affairs. While the police have not officially acknowledged the survey, sources quoted in the report said the exercise has been underway for some time and officers have been asked to collect and submit the filled forms. (KDC)
