Srinagar,Jan 13 (KNS) : JKPC General Secretary and President of the All JK Shia Association, Molvi Imran Ansari, on Tuesday condemned the profiling of mosques and religious staff in Kashmir, characterizing the move as a "staggering overreach" that necessitates an immediate rethink.
In a statement, he highlighted that while security is a primary concern for all, the current level of intrusion into sacred spaces is unprecedented, even when compared to the region's most volatile historical periods.
He said that by demanding bank account details, social media handles, and phone numbers from mosque committees and Imams, the state is treating the heart of the community like a criminal enterprise. He added that in Muslim society, the Imam is the most respected figure, and treating spiritual leaders as "Persons of Interest" through granular surveillance is a direct blow to their dignity. He questioned when such intrusive exercises have ever been carried out against the institutions of any other religion, asserting that an entire faith and its practitioners should not be subjected to collective punishment for the alleged mistakes of a few.
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Molvi Imran Ansari further warned that the practical fallout of these measures will be devastating. He noted that many pious government employees and professionals lead prayers in local mosques out of pure devotion, but faced with this level of harassment and data-mining, many may refuse to lead prayers to protect their privacy and livelihoods.
He added that whether it concerns Sunni congregations or Shia mourners, the message being sent by the authorities is one of profound distrust. He emphasized that making people afraid to participate in their religious duties does not build security, but instead breaks the social fabric. He concluded by stating that this is not merely an issue of data, but a violation of the fundamental right to practice one’s faith without being viewed through the lens of a dossier. (KNS)