In a fresh wave of scrutiny, religious institutions across Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir including mosques and madrassas have come under intense spotlight by Indian authorities.
Over the past week, Indian police in Srinagar carried out city-wide inspections, entering dozens of mosques and madrassas under the pretext of dismantling a so‑called “terror support ecosystem.”
The raids — involving search teams, executive magistrates and independent witnesses — targeted digital devices, documents and other materials, and focused on identifying supposed “radical or terror‑linked activities.” Police officials claim these measures are part of ongoing de‑radicalisation efforts and counter‑terrorism operations.
But for many Kashmiris, the crackdown signals a shift: institutions that once managed routine affairs — winter firewood, courtyard maintenance, religious services, community gatherings — are now under suspicion. Independent mosque committees and madrassa boards fear coercive takeover or closure, undermining not only religious freedom but also community cohesion.
Observers say the move contradicts claims of “normalcy” and democratic space in the occupied territory. Instead of safeguarding faith and civil rights, such actions expose a persistent pattern of repression: religious and civic institutions are being treated as security threats rather than community assets.
As the spotlight turns on mosques and madrassas, Kashmiris warn that if unchecked, the crackdown will further erode religious liberties, chill freedom of worship and assembly, and deepen mistrust toward Indian occupation.
