J&K CM Omar Abdullah defends order regulating zakat collection amid political row

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday (February 20, 2026) defended an order regulating collection of zakat (charity) during Ramzan in Kishtwar district, amid growing criticism from political parties.

Speaking in the J&K assembly, Mr. Abdullah said the order was issued following “requests of local Muslim religious leaders, who had pointed out misuse of zakat ”. 

“Ahead of Ramzan, directions were issued to all Deputy Commissioners to consult local stakeholders. In Kishtwar, religious leaders themselves raised concerns about fake NGOs collecting zakat and donations without transparency and sought regulation to prevent misuse. Acting on their request, the order was issued and has been welcomed by local religious leaders. We should not politicise every administrative decision,” Mr. Abdullah said. 

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The order, issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar, states that individuals, non-governmental organisations, trusts, societies or committees cannot collect charity “without a valid registration under the relevant Acts”. If further mandates that a written clearance must be obtained from the Waqf Board Unit, Kishtwar, the Imam Jamia Masjid, Kishtwar, or the tehsildars concerned”.

Several political parties, including the National Conference (NC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the CPI (M), criticised the move, terming it interference in religious affairs. 

“The order is strange. It is an attempt to target a particular community. Recklessly issuing such an order is highly unacceptable,” said CPI(M) leader and legislator M.Y. Tarigami.

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Meanwhile, the BJP, however, welcomed the move. “The head priest of Jama Masjid, Kishtwar, is a representative. He has welcomed the order. He had pointed out that there are elements who raise money to use for subversive and anti-national activities,” Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma said.