India mulling control of mosques and media in Kashmir to improve situation

A Ministry of Home Affairs,India report has purportedly recommended the "control" of the mosque, madrasa, print and television media, political scenario changes, strengthening of intelligence infrastructure and communication with Separatist's moderate faction to help improve the situation in Kashmir, The Indian Express reported.

Officials said the long-term suggestions have been sent to National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.

While specifying the communities that form the Valley's population - Shia, Bakkarwal and Pahadi Muslim - the document suggests providing development schemes as incentives to deter locals from getting "lured by separatists" or succumbing to the "widespread cult of Wahabism". It also advised the revival of the Special Operation Group to deal with militancy stemming from across the border.

The ministry's suggestions include reaching out to moulvis at mosques in a bid to curb insurgency. It also suggested resurrecting the generally defunct information and broadcasting division in the state. Categorising television and newspaper channels as pro and anti-national, the report advises discouraging organisations with "anti-India" leanings.

It said increased regulation by Income Tax department and other agencies against separatists would help decrease their influence. The report recommends booking, those responsible for stone-pelting cases, under the Public Safety Act and setting up special juvenile homes for teenagers involved in such cases.

It also advised formulating new laws to include a corporate social responsibility provision for business houses in the state. This, it said, will help the economic situation and help tackle the unemployment problem.