In an unprecedented move, religious institutions across Jammu and Kashmir are facing intensified scrutiny from authorities. Mosques and madrassas that typically focus on community affairs and religious education are now being asked to open their books to government examination.
New Oversight Measures Implemented
Management committees responsible for routine operations of these religious centers have received formal requests to disclose detailed information about their activities. The measures, implemented in late November 2025, require these institutions to share financial ledgers, student enrollment lists, records of visiting scholars, and comprehensive donation histories.
These committees, which ordinarily handle mundane tasks like arranging winter firewood supplies and maintaining courtyard lighting systems, now find themselves navigating complex documentation requirements. The shift from managing daily operations to providing extensive institutional data represents a significant change in their responsibilities.
Scope and Implementation Across Kashmir
The scrutiny appears widespread, affecting neighborhoods throughout the region. Local administrators have been systematically contacting mosque and madrassa management teams, emphasizing the mandatory nature of these disclosures. The requests specifically target institutions of all sizes, from prominent central mosques to smaller neighborhood religious centers.
Zulfikar Majid reported on November 30, 2025 that the measures were already being implemented across urban centers. The timing suggests a coordinated effort by authorities to gather comprehensive data about religious educational institutions and their funding sources.
Potential Implications and Community Response
This increased oversight marks a departure from previous practices where religious institutions operated with considerable autonomy. The demand for detailed financial records and student information indicates a security-focused approach that could have far-reaching consequences for religious education in the region.
Community leaders and institution managers are now assessing how to comply with these requirements while maintaining their educational and religious missions. The situation continues to develop as institutions work to gather the requested documentation amid concerns about privacy and institutional independence.
The long-term impact of these measures on religious education and community trust remains uncertain. However, the immediate effect has been to redirect significant administrative resources toward compliance rather than educational or community service activities.
