India, Jan. 14 -- Authorities in Kashmir have initiated a profiling exercise of mosques, madrassas and individuals associated with their management following the busting of a so-called "white-collar" terror module last year, officials said. The move, however, has triggered sharp criticism from political and religious leaders, who have termed it an infringement of constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.
Officials said a detailed proforma has been distributed through village numberdars to collect information about mosques, madrassas, imams, teachers and members of management committees. The exercise primarily focuses on creating a database and examining the financial aspects of these institutions, including sources of funding for con...