Security lens on Kashmir’s Iran donation drive surge as transparency, fund diversion fears emerge

Srinagar: Massive donation drives have sprung up across Kashmir and Kargil in Ladakh for war-hit Iran, with reports suggesting contributions running into hundreds of crores, even as security agencies have flagged concerns over transparency and the possibility of diversion of funds.

Dozens of collection centres - many of them set up outside mosques, imambaras and in local markets - have emerged across the Valley and Kargil in Ladakh Union Territory over the past few days.

Volunteers, often operating in groups, are collecting donations through public appeals, announcements and door-to-door campaigns.

The scale and diversity of contributions have been unprecedented. Apart from cash, people have donated gold jewellery, silver ornaments, copper utensils, livestock and even vehicles such as cars and motorcycles.

In several areas, women were seen removing personal jewellery on the spot to contribute, while children turned in their piggy banks, underscoring the emotional mobilisation behind the campaign.

However, officials say the largely decentralised and informal nature of the drives has raised red flags within the security establishment.

“There is no clearly authorised or regulated mechanism for these collections. When funds are raised in cash and in kind - especially gold or high-value items - it becomes extremely difficult to track their movement and final utilisation,” a senior security official said.

Security agencies apprehend that a portion of these donations, particularly gold and other tangible assets, could potentially be diverted or siphoned off.

“Unlike bank transfers, these items are not traceable. There is a risk that some of it may slip into channels that could be exploited for anti-national activities,” the official added.

Sources said agencies have begun discreet monitoring of the collection centres and the individuals involved, particularly in sensitive districts, to ensure that the process is not misused by any organised networks.

A senior police officer also cautioned against contributing through informal channels and stressed the need for financial transparency.

Officials pointed out that while humanitarian assistance is not restricted, unregulated fundraising—especially involving cross-border beneficiaries—can pose legal and security challenges if not routed through proper channels.

Despite the concerns, organisers and participants insist that the effort is purely humanitarian, driven by religious and cultural affinity with Iran. Many contributors described the donations as a moral duty, particularly in the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

The developments highlight both the depth of public sentiment in Kashmir and Kargil and the complexities for authorities in balancing humanitarian expression with concerns of oversight, accountability and national security.