Profiling of managing committees, Imams act of intimidation: Mehbooba
Srinagar, Jan 14: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti has said that the profiling of Masjids, Imams and mohalla committees, reportedly being carried out in Kashmir, has traumatised the people across the Kashmir Valley.
Addressing mediapersons at the party headquarter, Mufti said the details of persons associated with Masjids, that has been reportedly sought through a five-page document, is a “vicious trend that will be initiated in Kashmir and eventually replicated in rest of the country.”
“Respected members of the community, who are part of Masjid committees are traumatised with this new requirement of details which they have to submit. Madrassa teachers are asked to furnish personal details. The heads of these religious institutions are even asked for bank details and other contact details. Even Masjid Committee members are not being spared,” said Mehbooba.
The former chief minister said seeking personal details from Masjids was a “step towards interfering in religious matters.” “If they want to carry out such an activity, why only target a particular religion? The database of all Masjids based in Kashmir, including details of the land they are built on and other particulars are already available with the authorities. So, there is no need for redrawing this exercise,” said Mehbooba. Pointing to a five-page proforma , the PDP chief accused that profiling of Masjids was a step “to distract people from the religious path and particularly intimidate respected members of the society.”
“This is a step which is aiming to treat Imams, teachers of Madrassas and members of Masjid Committees as overground workers ( OGWs). It is unfortunate that a Masjid is being reduced to a place of such unnecessary scrutiny,” said Mufti. She alleged that first “hands were laid down on the Waqf properties and are now eventually panning their unsolicited attention on the functioning of Masjids.” “It is all the more unfortunate that the details being sought from Masjids is asking people about their sects. This is quite unfortunate that attempts are being made to divide people on the basis of sect,” said Mehbooba. The PDP chief hit out at the National Conference government, accusing it of being tight-lipped on issues that matter to common people. “In issues which they can’t handle they point fingers at PDP and late Mufti sahab. This government is clueless,” she added.
Commenting on five government sacking of five government employees, Mehbooba said “such steps were being taken hurriedly without proper investigation.” She said families of such terminated employees are left to fend for themselves. “What is the point when these employees are sacked without being provided an opportunity to defend themselves. This approach is completely wrong,” Mehbooba added.
