, Feb. 20 -- JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday told the J&K Legislative Assembly that the Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar issued the order regarding charity collections at the insistence of religious leaders and not on his own.

Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, the CM, as per KNO, said that he had inquired into the matter after allegations surfaced that the government was interfering in religious affairs.

"It came to light that the DC did not issue the order on his own. Ahead of Ramadan, all deputy commissioners were instructed to consult people to begin preparations for the holy month. During that meeting, religious leaders and locals from Kishtwar and surrounding areas met the DC. They expressed concerns that some indi...