Wed Jan 14 15:36:49 UTC 2026: # Kashmir: Police Profiling of Mosques Sparks Controversy and Political Opposition

The Story:
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has strongly criticized the police profiling of mosques in Kashmir, calling it an “interference into religious affairs” and an “attempt to divest Muslims of their faith.” The ruling National Conference (NC) has echoed these concerns, urging Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to clarify his stance on the issue. The controversy stems from the distribution of forms by the J&K police to mosques, requesting extensive personal data on individuals associated with their management.

Key Points:

  • Mehbooba Mufti condemns the police profiling of mosques as interference in religious affairs.
  • The PDP president questions why only mosques are being targeted, and not temples, gurudwaras, or churches.
  • The J&K police are collecting detailed personal information, including family particulars, financial information, phone details, digital and social media profiles, passport details, travel history, and phone IMEI details.
  • NC leader Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan stated that the mosque verification order was not issued by the elected government and called the move “unwarranted”.
  • Ramzan also commented on the recent termination of five employees over alleged terror links, arguing that due process should be followed.

Critical Analysis (Optional):
Not applicable in this turn.

Key Takeaways:

  • The police profiling of mosques in Kashmir is a politically sensitive issue with the potential to inflame religious tensions.
  • Opposition parties are using the issue to criticize the Lieutenant Governor’s administration and call for the restoration of full statehood.
  • The collection of detailed personal data by the police raises concerns about privacy and potential misuse of information.
  • The incident underscores the fragile political climate in Jammu and Kashmir and the importance of maintaining religious harmony.
  • The related news of the Delhi High Court pulling up an NGO for repeated PILs on mosque encroachments, and other news about police deploying for festivals in Tamil Nadu, engaging youth in sports, seeking action against a police officer, and investigating youths in Cambodia, do not appear directly related to the main event in Kashmir.

Impact Analysis (Optional):
Not applicable in this turn.

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