Charity Charade? No Rules In Kashmir For Ramazan Donations

Srinagar: As the holy month of Ramazan descends upon Kashmir, the spirit of charity fills the air. Streets and localities bustle with a noticeable increase in people seeking donations for various causes. Some carry receipt books advocating for orphanages, while others announce fundraising efforts for religious institutions, or those battling chronic illnesses.

Individuals appealing to people's emotions and religious sentiments, from vehicles fitted with public address systems have become a common way to collect money.

Residents express concerns about verifying the legitimacy of these requests, wanting to ensure their generosity reaches those who truly need it. This concern is further amplified by the movement of donation seekers across districts. Individuals from south and north Kashmir travel to central Kashmir districts including Srinagar, while those from central Kashmir travel to the north and southern parts of the valley to gather money for orphanages and religious seminaries.

"As soon as the predawn (Fajr) prayers conclude, people begin knocking on our doors begging for money, citing chronic renal insufficiency, an orphanage, or a religious seminary," Syed Shabir, a resident of Srinagar told Kashmir Observer.

"While some donation seekers are genuine, others may not be. They collect thousands of rupees claiming to help the sick and destitute, but who verifies their credibility?"

Highlighting the lack of official regulations for soliciting donations, locals questioned if the administration even acknowledges the illegality of such practices.

A businessman from the old city's Alikadal area, Muhammad Sultan Baba claimed that one cannot turn them down as they don't leave until they are paid the amount of their choice. "But is there anybody in the administration to stop them or check their credentials as to who these people actually are," he said.

Aijaz Ahmad, a resident of Nigeen said that he has become concerned over the number of people who were still not checking the background of charitable campaigns. "Earlier today, people swayed into emotions when they learnt about the situation of a little girl from a certain hamlet, who is battling for her life since both of her