Jammu, Feb 20: Amid controversy surrounding the Kishtwar Ramzan donation order, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday clarified that the directive was issued after consultations with local religious leaders and should not be politicised.
The deputy commissioner of Kishtwar had earlier this week regulated the collection of donations during the holy month, citing concerns over unauthorised fundraising activities.
Responding to objections raised in the Assembly by Congress legislators Gulam Ahmed Mir and Nizam-ud-Din Bhat, Abdullah said he examined the matter and found that the order was not issued arbitrarily. According to him, district administrations had already been directed to coordinate with communities and ensure smooth arrangements ahead of Ramzan.
During one such consultation, Muslim clerics and community representatives flagged the issue of individuals allegedly setting up dubious organisations to collect charity in the name of patients or social causes without accountability. Abdullah said these practices not only mislead donors but also deprive genuine NGOs of support.
He added that religious leaders had specifically urged the administration to step in and curb the misuse of charitable collections. Acting on these concerns, the deputy commissioner issued the directive.
The chief minister also noted that the Imam of Jamia Masjid Kishtwar and other clerics have welcomed the move. Urging restraint, he said administrative measures taken after due consultation should not automatically be turned into political controversies.