Srinagar: In a controversial move, Jammu and Kashmir police detained three Muslim women in Srinagar’s Rajbagh area on February 23, 2025, as they distributed copies of the Quran and hijabs as part of a community initiative, reported the Siasat.
The initiative, launched by a group of young Kashmiri women, aimed to provide copies of the Quran and hijabs to the public, particularly women and children, in anticipation of the holy month of Ramadan, a time traditionally associated with charity and religious devotion.
However, the police intervened, detaining three members of the group. Although they were questioned and later released, the reasons for their detention remain unclear.
The incident has sparked outrage among political leaders and the public. Waheed Para, PDP leader and MLA from Pulwama, condemned the detention, calling it unjust. In a series of posts on social media platform X, Para criticized the police for their actions, stating that the Quran promotes peace, justice, and a crime-free society. He urged authorities not to pursue legal action against the women and highlighted that their initiative aligned with the charitable spirit of Ramadan.
Following the women’s release, Para confirmed with the Srinagar police that they were safe and explained that the police had detained them to verify their identities. Reports suggest that an inquiry was conducted before their release.
This incident comes shortly after a major police operation in Srinagar, where authorities confiscated over 600 religious books, alleging they were linked to the ideology of Jamaat-e-Islami. Officials claimed the materials violated legal regulations and issued warnings against possessing them.
The detentions and broader police actions have reignited debates over religious expression and freedom in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly as the community prepares for Ramadan. The event highlights ongoing tensions between religious activities and law enforcement, as well as the complex interplay between political, religious, and legal spheres in the region.
