MOSQUE PROFILING BEGINS

KASHMIR ‘WHITE COLLAR’ TERROR MODULE

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Authorities have started the process of profiling mosques, madrassas and people associated with their management in Kashmir following the busting of the ‘white collar’ terror module last year, officials said.

The move has drawn criticism from National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi and Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), an amalgam of religious bodies in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it is an infringement on constitutional freedom of religion.

‘A proforma has been given to village numberdars (village-level revenue department employees) for getting the details of mosques, madrassas, imams (prayer leaders), teachers and management committee members of these institutions, the officials said.

The focus of the enumeration drive is on the finances of mosques and madrassas, “including the source of funds used for construction and meeting the day-to-day expenses, they said.

‘The officials said that besides the usual details, the teachers of madrassas and imams are also expected to provide details of their Aadhar card, bank account, property ownership, social media handles, passport, ATM card, ration card, driving licence, SIM cards and mobile phone model along with the IMEI number.

A senior official, who wished not to be named, said that among the objectives of the drive is to create a database of mosques and madrassas and the people associated with these.

“During the investigation into the ‘white collar’ terror module, which was busted in November last year, it came to light that some of the suspects were radicalised through madrassas or social media. The role of some imams like Moulvi Irfan has also put them under the scanner,” the official said.

The proforma also seeks details about the Muslim sect ~ Barelvi, Deobandi, Hanafi or Ahle Hadeeth ~- the mosque or the madrassa is following.