Former minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Naeem Akhter on Friday said recent steps involving mosques and religious institutions amount to an attack on religious freedom and should be reconsidered by the government.
Responding to questions about alleged pressure on imams and mosque managements, Akhter said his party’s stand had already been clearly stated by PDP president Mehbooba Mufti a day earlier.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
He said the move raises serious concerns about the right of Muslims to practise their religion freely. “This is an attack on our religion, our religious freedom, and our legal rights,” Akhter said, questioning whether Muslims are being allowed to follow their faith without interference.
Akhter said mosques are not only places of worship but also important social spaces where people meet, discuss issues, and try to find solutions to problems affecting society. “These are sacred spaces where people come together and engage with community concerns,” he added.
He questioned the need for what he described as unnecessary measures involving mosques and said there was no justification for such actions in the present situation. He appealed to the government to review and rethink its approach.
Referring to donations collected in mosques, Akhter said these contributions are made voluntarily, especially on Fridays. “Someone gives five rupees, someone ten, fifty or five hundred. Everyone knows where the money comes from,” he said, adding that such matters should not be used to create fear or pressure.
He warned that continued interference could discourage people from managing mosques. “If this continues, mosques may be left without caretakers, as administrators will step away,” he cautioned.
Akhter also raised concerns about administrative issues in Bandipora district. He said nearly half of the officers in the district collectorate were holding additional charges, while several key posts remained vacant. He pointed out that the Additional Deputy Commissioner’s post has been vacant for about a year and that even the medical superintendent is holding additional responsibility.
“This is disturbing. When posts remain vacant, people suffer,” he said, adding that delays are affecting development work and essential services, including healthcare and education.
The PDP leader urged the Chief Minister to take immediate steps to fill vacant posts to ensure smooth functioning of public services.
Notably, senior PDP leaders attended a party workers’ meeting in Kehnoosa, Bandipora. The meeting was attended by Zonal President Bandipora Er. Mir Naseer Ahmad, Mohammad Abdullah Wani, Abdul Majeed Rahi, Mudassir Hussain, Abdul Hameed Dar, Abdul Rasheed, and others, according to KNS.
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