Jammu and Kashmir police are going door to door in parts of the Valley seeking details about residents, including those working abroad or with links to militancy, if any.

The exercise, informally called “police census”, has been conducted on several occasions in the past leading to allegations of political profiling. Last year, a similar drive triggered fears of it becoming an annual ritual.

“We have got used to such things. I remember such an exercise undertaken in our locality some years back. We then thought it was a normal census and the police were assisting the administration. Then we realised the police were doing it for security reasons,” a retired doctor from Bachpora said.

“This time also, they came, handed us the form and asked us to fill in the details. We had nothing to hide. I asked the police why they were doing it. He said there was nothing to worry.”

A journalist who lives in the old city said around a dozen cops visited his home last week and asked for the names of all his family members, their phone numbers and Aadhaar card details.

“No forms were served this time. I silently provided all the details, including the names of the kids and wife. Nobody sought details about whether we have links with militants or 'trouble makers'. Last year, a mohalla head was assigned the task. He was given forms and asked to get them filled by the residents.”

The journalist said he also received a call last month from the local police station, seeking details about his profession. Several journalists have received such calls.

A police officer said they conduct such exercises to keep an eye on militants. “This makes policing easy. This is for their own security and people usually cooperate with us,” he said.

Security forces have started multiple exercises in Kashmir to increase surveillance of residents, including government employees.

A government employee said they had to get CID and vigilance clearance to visit foreign countries, including undertaking a pilgrimage to Haj. “It takes weeks, sometimes months, to get the clearance,” he said.