Srinagar, Jan 12 — A Valley-wide exercise to collect detailed information about mosques and their functionaries has begun across Kashmir, according to multiple media reports and confirmations from local news agencies.
The data being sought includes information about mosques, their management bodies and individuals serving in them, including imams and muezzins. The scope of the exercise, as described in the reports, has drawn public attention because of the volume and nature of details being collected.
The Himalayan Post reached out to Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, V.K. Birdi, and DIG CID Rayees Mohammad Bhat to seek clarification on whether the data is being collected for security vetting, routine verification or for creation of a centralised database. However, despite repeated calls and messages, no response was received till the time of publication. This report will be updated when an official response is issued.
According to media reports, the exercise seeks information about the sect, capacity, construction cost, monthly budget and funding sources of mosques. It also asks for details about the physical structure, management committees and the nature of land on which mosques are built.
Local news agencies, which have accessed copies of the documents, said a four-page form has been circulated in several parts of the Valley. One page is devoted to mosque-related information, while the remaining pages seek personal details of those managing or serving the mosques.
The forms reportedly ask for complete family details of mosque management committee members, imams, muezzins, khateebs and members of the Bait-ul-Maal, along with their dates of birth, phone numbers, email addresses and educational qualifications.
They also seek passport and travel details, information about relatives living abroad, voter ID, Aadhaar, driving licence and ration card numbers, as well as bank account information, PAN, ATM and credit card details.
The documents reportedly require disclosure of monthly income and expenditure, property ownership with estimated values, past involvement in militancy or criminal cases, social media accounts, mobile phone models, IMEI numbers and the mobile applications used by the individuals concerned.