Verification of Imams, Masjid committees meant for protection, not politics: Dr Darakhshan

Srinagar, Jan 16: Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board Chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi on Friday urged religious leaders not to panic over an ongoing exercise to profile Masjids, saying the verification process was aimed at safeguarding religious institutions and carried no hidden agenda.

“Our Imams, Khateebs, and members of Masjid committees should not panic. This verification is being done for their future,” Andrabi told reporters in Pulwama. “The issue should not be politicised.”

Her remarks came amid a drive launched by the J&K Police to collect detailed information about Masjids, including Imams, Muezzins, Masjid committees, and individuals involved in managing Masjid affairs.

Andrabi said the process had no political motive. “This is a good step. It will help protect our Masjids and religious places and ensure they remain registered,” she said. However, the exercise has drawn criticism from political leaders across party lines in Kashmir, who have questioned the need for profiling places of worship and warned that such measures could deepen public mistrust and interfere in religious affairs.

Meanwhile, a statement issued here said that in reply to a question regarding the opposition by political parties regarding verification of Imams and mosques in J&K, Dr Darakhshan said that “we should not do politics on everything.” “This process is solely aimed at safeguarding these religious institutions and there was no agenda behind this. These politicians cried foul and spread false narratives when they were uploading Waqf properties on Umeed portal, but now their mouths are shut. They are now trying to incite people on this issue of verifications. It is a routine government exercise and it is in favour of all”, said Andrabi.