Indias mosque surveillance raises concerns over potential profiling and increased surveillance

Police Distribute Form for Mosque Profiling in Kashmir

Residents of Indian-administered Kashmir have reported receiving a four-page form from the police, titled “profiling of mosques,” which collects information about mosque management committees, imams, and other individuals associated with the institutions. The form requests details such as the year the mosque was founded, its sources of funding, and personal information including mobile numbers, passport details, and social media handles.

The form has sparked concerns among residents, who claim it is an attempt by the state to exert control over Kashmir’s religious institutions. The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), a prominent Islamic organization in the region, has opposed the profiling of mosques, stating that it undermines trust within the Muslim community.

The form also includes questions about relatives living abroad and affiliations with certain groups or organizations. Residents have expressed concerns about the level of personal information being requested, citing potential risks to family safety in a conflict-affected area.

The police have not commented on the form’s purpose or distribution. The Himalayan region of Kashmir is claimed by both India and Pakistan, who control parts of it and have fought over its status since their independence from British rule in 1947. Article 370 of the Indian Constitution granted partial autonomy to Indian-administered Kashmir.

The police exercise has been described as a routine survey by some, but others claim it feels like an attempt to exert control over religious institutions. The distribution of the form has sparked debate and concern among residents, who are calling for greater transparency and understanding of the government’s intentions.

Source: Al Jazeera