Srinagar, Jan 14(KNS): Senior Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan on Wednesday said the ongoing police verification of mosques in Kashmir was not necessary and asserted that law and order powers were not with the elected government.
Speaking to reporters, Ramzan said the police function under directions received through official channels and that the order related to mosque verification had not been issued by the elected government. “The police department follows orders that come to it. This is not a government order. It has come from the LG’s office and the police are not under us,” he said, as per KNS.
He questioned the need for such an exercise, saying similar measures had not been taken in the past. “This has not happened before. People in Kashmir want to live in peace and, by and large, they are peaceful. There is no need for this,” he said, adding that only the Lieutenant Governor could explain the purpose behind the move.
Ramzan said any action perceived as interference in religious matters amounted to intrusion.
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“If religious people are being targeted or oppressed, it is an intrusion into religion,” he said, adding that while intentions would become clear over time, the development raised concerns.
The JKNC MP reiterated his party’s demand for restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying the elected government lacked control over law and order.
“We are protesting and demanding that these powers be restored. Statehood should be restored in the same manner as it existed earlier,” he said.
On recent dismissals of government employees, Ramzan said actions should follow due process and individuals must be given an opportunity to defend themselves.
He said punitive measures often impacted entire families and termed such steps unnecessary.
He also rejected demands for separate statehood for Jammu, saying Jammu and Kashmir was one entity and should remain a single state. “Statehood is our right and assurances have already been given on the floor of Parliament,” he added.(KNS)