POONCH MIRROR NEWS DESK JANUARY 12, 2026:
Srinagar, January 12: The J&K Police mosque survey has formally begun across the Kashmir Valley, as the J&K Police mosque survey aims to collect detailed information on mosques and religious functionaries, according to a report.
According to a report published by The Indian Express, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have initiated a large-scale exercise aimed at collecting extensive data related to mosques and individuals associated with them across the Valley.The Indian Express Report
The report states that the information being sought includes the sectarian affiliation of mosques, their seating capacity, estimated construction cost, monthly budget and sources of funding. In addition, detailed personal information is being collected about religious functionaries such as imams, muezzins, members of mosque management committees and individuals involved in charitable or welfare activities linked to these institutions.
As per the report, a four-page questionnaire has been circulated in various districts of the Kashmir Valley. One page is dedicated exclusively to details about the mosque, while the remaining three pages are meant for collecting personal and background information of individuals managing or serving at the mosque. Sources said the J&K Police mosque survey has been underway for some time and forms part of a wider administrative exercise.
As per the report, a four-page questionnaire has been circulated in various districts of the Kashmir Valley. One page is dedicated exclusively to details about the mosque, while the remaining three pages are meant for collecting personal and background information of individuals managing or serving at the mosque.
The Indian Express report notes that this is the first time the police have undertaken such a comprehensive and Valley-wide exercise focusing on mosques and religious personnel. The form reportedly seeks clarification on sectarian identity including Barelvi, Hanafi, Deobandi or Ahle Hadith along with structural details such as the number of floors, approximate construction expenditure and funding mechanisms.
In addition, mosque committee members, imams, muezzins, preachers and individuals associated with Bait-ul-Mal have been asked to furnish complete family and personal details. These include date of birth, mobile numbers, email addresses and educational qualifications.
The questionnaire also includes queries regarding monthly income and expenditure of mosques, details of bank accounts, administrative structures and the legal status of the land on which the mosque stands.
In addition, mosque committee members, imams, muezzins, preachers and individuals associated with Bait-ul-Mal have been asked to furnish complete family and personal details. These include date of birth, mobile numbers, email addresses and educational qualifications.
The report further states that individuals are required to provide passport details, travel history, information about relatives living abroad, voter ID numbers, Aadhaar details, driving licence numbers, ration card information, bank account details, PAN numbers, as well as ATM and credit card particulars.
Beyond financial and identity-related information, the form reportedly seeks disclosures on monthly income and expenses, ownership of movable and immovable property along with its estimated value, and any past involvement in militancy or criminal activities. Details regarding social media presence and mobile applications used by the individuals have also been included.
Family particulars, including information about parents, siblings and children, form another significant component of the data being sought, according to the report.
The exercise has reportedly generated unease in several quarters across the Valley, with some individuals expressing concerns over what they perceive as interference in religious affairs. However, there has been no official confirmation from the Jammu and Kashmir Police regarding the purpose or scope of the exercise.
Sources quoted in The Indian Express claim that the data collection process has been underway for some time and that officers have been instructed to ensure that the completed forms are collected and submitted to senior authorities for further scrutiny.The J&K Police mosque survey has sparked debate in several quarters, with calls for clarity on its purpose and scope.
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