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

Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, defended an order regulating zakat collection during Ramzan in Kishtwar district, citing concerns raised by local religious leaders about misuse. The order, issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar, requires registration and clearance from relevant authorities before collecting charity. Several political parties criticized the move as interference in religious affairs, while the BJP welcomed it.