Key Takeaways
- The J&K government has been asked to clarify the purpose and type of the ongoing census in Kashmir, which seeks personal information from residents.
- Kashmir residents are anxious about the census due to the collection of personal data, which they perceive as another attempt by the state to tighten control.
- The J&K Police has been collecting personal details from residents, including names, phone numbers, and information about family members with terror links.
Srinagar: Political parties in Kashmir have asked the J&K government to come clear on an ongoing “census” in Kashmir, which seeks names, phone numbers and if a family member has any terror links.
Over the past week, unsigned forms have been distributed among residents in various parts of the valley, seeking information about families. These forms are being distributed through mohalla committees and must be returned to the police.
CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami alleged that the ‘census ‘ has stirred up anxiety among the people.
“An unusual census being conducted by the police and security forces have stirred up anxiety among the people. Clueless residents perceive it as another attempt of state to tighten control. The government must clarify the type and purpose of this census,” Tarigami said in a post on X.
On Monday, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had also expressed deep concern regarding the recent initiative by J&K Police to collect personal information from residents across various parts of Kashmir.
“This intrusive measure, which involves soliciting details such as individuals’ names, vehicles, and contact information, has triggered widespread panic among citizens,” PDP said. “People’s Democratic Party vehemently condemns this alarming development, denouncing it as a direct assault on the inherent rights and identity of ordinary Kashmiris.”
The party urged the administration to respect the privacy of individual citizens and alleviate the fears gripping the general public.
There has been no clarification from the police about the ‘census’.
However, a police officer termed it a routine exercise.
