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 imams, muezzins, mosque management committee members and associated charity wings, according to a report by The Indian Express.
The report said the exercise seeks information on the sect, seating capacity, construction cost, monthly budget and funding sources of mosques. It also calls for extensive personal details of individuals associated with these religious institutions, including mobile phone models, IMEI numbers, and information related to social media accounts, ATM cards, ration cards and credit cards.
According to the report, a four-page form has been circulated in several parts of the Valley. One page is dedicated to mosque-related details, while the remaining three pages seek personal information of those managing or serving at the mosques.
This is reportedly the first time police are collecting such detailed information on mosques and their members on this 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. Information on monthly budgets, bank accounts, management structures and the nature of land on which mosques are built has also been sought.
The report further stated that complete family details of mosque management committee members, imams, muezzins, khateebs and members of the Bait-ul-Maal have been requested, along with personal information such as dates of birth, phone numbers, email addresses and educational qualifications.
Individuals have also been asked to provide passport details, travel history, information on relatives living abroad, voter ID numbers, Aadhaar details, driving licence numbers, ration card details, bank account information, PAN details, and ATM and credit card information.
Additionally, the form seeks details about 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 those of parents, siblings and children, have also been requested.
According to 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 cited in the report said the exercise has been underway for some time and officers have been instructed to collect and submit the completed forms. (Agencies)
