Srinagar, Feb 18 (KNS): Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Budgam Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi on Tuesday termed the recent order issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar seeking scrutiny of Zakat collections as unconstitutional and an infringement on religious freedom.
In a statement, Mehdi said the order “threatens the autonomy of Muslim endowments and represents unwarranted government interference in religious affairs.” He alleged that the directive violates Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, which guarantee citizens the right to freely profess, practise and manage their religious affairs.
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The MLA said the move was not merely administrative in nature but reflected what he described as a systematic attempt to interfere in community-managed religious practices. He maintained that charitable obligations such as Zakat fall within the domain of religious institutions and should remain free from arbitrary governmental control.
Calling the order authoritarian, Mehdi demanded its immediate withdrawal and urged the authorities concerned to respect constitutional safeguards and ensure that religious autonomy is not compromised.(KNS)