Senior Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan on Wednesday said that the ongoing police verification of mosques in Kashmir is unnecessary and has not been ordered by the elected government.
Speaking to reporters, Ramzan said that the police act on directions received through official channels and that the current exercise did not originate from the elected administration. He said the order had come from the Lieutenant Governor’s Office, adding that the police department does not function under the control of the elected government.
“The police department follows the orders it receives. This is not a government order. It has come from the LG’s office, and the police are not under us,” Ramzan said, as quoted by KNS.
Questioning the need for mosque verification, the JKNC MP said such measures were never taken in the past. He stressed that people in Kashmir want to live peacefully and that, in general, society remains calm.
“This has not happened before. People here want peace, and they are largely peaceful. There is no need for this exercise,” he said, adding that only the Lieutenant Governor could explain the real purpose behind the move.
Ramzan warned that any step seen as interference in religious matters amounts to intrusion.
“If religious people are being targeted or oppressed, it is an intrusion into religion,” he said, noting that while intentions may become clear with time, the development has raised serious concerns.
The JKNC leader once again demanded the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He said the elected government lacks control over law and order, which remains with the LG administration.
“We are protesting and demanding that these powers be restored. Statehood should be brought back exactly as it existed earlier,” he said.
Commenting on the recent dismissal of government employees, Ramzan said all actions should follow proper legal procedure. He stressed that individuals must be given a chance to defend themselves.
He added that such punitive actions often affect entire families and described them as unnecessary.
Ramzan also rejected demands for separate statehood for Jammu, saying Jammu and Kashmir is one entity and must remain united.
“Statehood is our right, and assurances have already been given on the floor of Parliament,” he said.