The Crossbill News Desk
A directive issued by the Kishtwar district administration to oversee and regulate charitable collections during the holy month of Ramzan has sparked sharp political reactions across Jammu and Kashmir.
The ex-parte order was issued on Wednesday (February 18) by Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Sharma under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, a day before Ramzan began. It cautioned against donation drives by “unregistered” individuals or organisations without prior approval from Wakf Board authorities or the concerned sub-divisional magistrates.
As per the order, no individual, NGO, trust, society or committee shall collect donations in cash, kind or digital mode without valid registration under relevant laws and written clearance from the Executive Officer, Waqaf Board Unit Kishtwar, Imam Jamia Masjid Kishtwar (President Majlis Shura Committee), or the concerned tehsildars.
A district vigilance helpline has also been set up to report such activities.
“Citizens are encouraged to report any instances of fraudulent solicitation or harassment,” the order said, directing the senior superintendent of police, Kishtwar, and sub-divisional magistrates to “ensure strict enforcement”.
The move drew criticism from opposition parties as well as voices within the ruling establishment. While Chief Minister Omar Abdullah defended the administration’s decision, National Conference chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq described it as interference in religious matters.
According to Hindustan Times, raising the issue in the legislative assembly, Congress MLA Ghulam Ahmad Mir said, “to put regulation on donations pertaining to a religion has probably happened for the first time in the history of India. I think the order should be revoked and CM should take its cognisance.”
His party colleague Nizammudin Bhat echoed the sentiment, stating, “Charity and Zakat are religious obligations and are not given after informing authorities. It amounts to intruding privacy. Charity is, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. The order is absolutely unconstitutional order and ultra-vires . I request CM to examine it and get it withdrawn,” Bhat said.
Speaking to reporters outside the assembly, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary also expressed reservations.
“I don’t think DCs should get into religious affairs but it’s new age… we have new officers and new DCs. And when one gets more than what he deserved then he starts showing his power but I would say that officers should not intervene and speak on religious affairs,” he said.
The ex-parte order was issued on Wednesday (February 18) by Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Sharma under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, a day before Ramzan began. It cautioned against donation drives by “unregistered” individuals or organisations without prior approval from Wakf Board authorities or the concerned sub-divisional magistrates.
As per the order, no individual, NGO, trust, society or committee shall collect donations in cash, kind or digital mode without valid registration under relevant laws and written clearance from the Executive Officer, Waqaf Board Unit Kishtwar, Imam Jamia Masjid Kishtwar (President Majlis Shura Committee), or the concerned tehsildars.
A district vigilance helpline has also been set up to report such activities.
“Citizens are encouraged to report any instances of fraudulent solicitation or harassment,” the order said, directing the senior superintendent of police, Kishtwar, and sub-divisional magistrates to “ensure strict enforcement”.
The move drew criticism from opposition parties as well as voices within the ruling establishment. While Chief Minister Omar Abdullah defended the administration’s decision, National Conference chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq described it as interference in religious matters.
According to Hindustan Times, raising the issue in the legislative assembly, Congress MLA Ghulam Ahmad Mir said, “to put regulation on donations pertaining to a religion has probably happened for the first time in the history of India. I think the order should be revoked and CM should take its cognisance.”
His party colleague Nizammudin Bhat echoed the sentiment, stating, “Charity and Zakat are religious obligations and are not given after informing authorities. It amounts to intruding privacy. Charity is, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. The order is absolutely unconstitutional order and ultra-vires . I request CM to examine it and get it withdrawn,” Bhat said.
Speaking to reporters outside the assembly, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary also expressed reservations.
“I don’t think DCs should get into religious affairs but it’s new age… we have new officers and new DCs. And when one gets more than what he deserved then he starts showing his power but I would say that officers should not intervene and speak on religious affairs,” he said.
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