Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar admn. calls for regulation of Ramzan charity, evokes criticism from NC, PDP

Kishtwar's regulation of Ramadan charity sparks criticism from political leaders, citing concerns over religious freedom and government interference.

The Deputy Commissioner (DC), Kishtwar, on Thursday (February 19, 2026) issued an order to curb “unregulated and unauthorised collection of donations by individuals” in the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and drew sharp criticism from several J&K parties.

Pankaj Kumar Sharma, DC of Kishtwar, in the order expressed fears that “during the holy month of Ramadan, there is a tendency for unregulated and unauthorized collection of donations, which necessitates immediate regulatory intervention”.

Invoking Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, Mr. Sharma said, “It’s the statutory obligation of the District Administration to ensure that public contributions intended for relief, welfare or religious purposes are not misappropriated, laundered or diverted for extraneous or subversive activities”.

The order said individuals, non-governmental organisations, trusts, societies or committees cannot collect charity “without a valid registration under the relevant Acts (e.g., J&K Societies Registration Act, Trust Act)”. It underlined that a prior written clearance must be obtained from the executive officer, Waqf Board Unit Kishtwar, Imam Jamia Masjid Kishtwar or concerned tehsildars.

The order directed the Senior Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, and sub-district magistrate and tehsildars to “ensure strict enforcement”. “This order shall come into force with immediate effect and shall remain operative throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan,” it added.

J&K Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary warned officials against “interfering into religious affairs”. “The government is committed to transparency and accountability. However, officers must operate within constitutional and administrative boundaries,” Mr. Kumar said.