Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, criticized the authorities’ recent move to profile preachers (Imams) of various mosques in the region. Mufti expressed concerns that the detailed profiling of Imams is aimed at alienating Kashmiris from their religion. She highlighted the intrusive nature of the information sought, including bank account details, Aadhaar card numbers, sources of income, and the school of thought of the Imams.
Mufti drew parallels with the treatment of Hindu temples, where restrictions based on caste or financial contributions are imposed. She accused the authorities of first depriving Muslims of religious properties under the Waqf Act and now attempting a similar approach with mosques and non-Waqf properties. Mufti raised apprehensions about a hidden agenda being tested in Kashmir, which could potentially be expanded to other parts of India in the future.
In addition, Mufti criticized the decision by J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha to dismiss five government employees due to alleged terror links. She questioned the basis of the terminations, emphasizing that accusations alone should not be grounds for punishment without proper legal proceedings. Mufti cautioned against the arbitrary use of accusations to target individuals without due process.
