The Waqf Board proposed to introduce uniform Friday sermons in mosques across Jammu and Kashmir.
Mehbooba Mufti, president of the Peoples Democratic Party, opposed the proposal. She alleged that the BJP is using Jammu and Kashmir as a 'laboratory' to test policies that interfere with Muslim religious practices. She believes such measures, if tested here, could eventually be implemented across the country. Mufti questioned the authority of the government to dictate religious content. She argued that local Imams and scholars are better suited to address community-specific issues. She also criticized the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs for its involvement in Islamic religious matters. She asserted that mosques should remain free from political or administrative control.
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On 2026-10-13, Mehbooba Mufti held a press conference to articulate her opposition to the uniform Friday sermon proposal. The press conference was part of her public pushback against the Waqf Board’s initiative. During the event she delivered two memorable lines that have since been quoted in coverage of the dispute. First, she declared, "Jammu and Kashmir has become a laboratory for the BJP. First, such measures are tested here and then implemented across the country." Second, she asked rhetorically, "These are our mosques, built with the money of our people. Our Imams and Maulvis know what to say and when to say it. Who will decide what Khutba our Imam should deliver on Friday?"
She asserted that mosques should remain free from political or administrative control.