PDP leader says freedom of religion is a fundamental right and warns against measures that stigmatise religious institutions
Senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehboob Beg on Friday strongly criticised the alleged profiling of Imams and Masjid committees, calling it a direct affront to the Constitution of India and its guarantee of religious freedom. He said such actions undermine the secular and democratic ethos of the country and risk alienating an already sensitive section of society.
In a statement, Beg said that the Constitution clearly guarantees freedom of religion to every citizen, including the right to profess, practice and manage religious affairs without undue interference. “Profiling Imams and Masjid committees is not only unnecessary but also deeply insulting to the spirit of the Constitution,” he said.
The PDP leader expressed concern that measures perceived as surveillance or targeting of religious figures could create fear and mistrust at the grassroots level. He warned that instead of fostering harmony, such steps may deepen divisions and fuel resentment. “Religious institutions have historically played a positive role in guiding society towards peace, morality and coexistence,” Beg said, adding that casting suspicion on them without justification sends a wrong message.
Beg also urged the authorities to differentiate between maintaining law and order and infringing upon constitutionally protected rights. He said security concerns should be addressed through lawful, transparent and non-discriminatory means, rather than blanket actions that stigmatise an entire community.
Reaffirming PDP’s commitment to constitutional values, Beg called on the government to review such practices and engage with community leaders through dialogue and trust-building measures. “Democracy thrives when rights are protected and institutions are respected. Any move that erodes these principles weakens the very foundation of our Republic,” he said.
In a statement, Beg said that the Constitution clearly guarantees freedom of religion to every citizen, including the right to profess, practice and manage religious affairs without undue interference. “Profiling Imams and Masjid committees is not only unnecessary but also deeply insulting to the spirit of the Constitution,” he said.
The PDP leader expressed concern that measures perceived as surveillance or targeting of religious figures could create fear and mistrust at the grassroots level. He warned that instead of fostering harmony, such steps may deepen divisions and fuel resentment. “Religious institutions have historically played a positive role in guiding society towards peace, morality and coexistence,” Beg said, adding that casting suspicion on them without justification sends a wrong message.
Beg also urged the authorities to differentiate between maintaining law and order and infringing upon constitutionally protected rights. He said security concerns should be addressed through lawful, transparent and non-discriminatory means, rather than blanket actions that stigmatise an entire community.
Reaffirming PDP’s commitment to constitutional values, Beg called on the government to review such practices and engage with community leaders through dialogue and trust-building measures. “Democracy thrives when rights are protected and institutions are respected. Any move that erodes these principles weakens the very foundation of our Republic,” he said.
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