However, unlike in the case of Christians, where information is required to check ``conflicts between Hindu and Christians'', the circular on the survey of Muslims does not specify any purpose. While Director-General of Intelligence R N Bhattacharya was not available for comment, Minister of State for Home Haren Pandya said it was ``a routine intelligence-gathering exercise'', undertaken by the intelligence wing on its own.

Issued on February 1, the circular seeks information about activities of Muslim organisations, in general, and Students Islamic Movement of India, in particular. It seeks names and addresses of their leaders; the number of Darul Ulema, whether these are recognised, what type of degrees they give, which foreign countries they get funds from and details about their students.

Further, the circular seeks details about the organisers of and participants in Iztema-khas; details of persons involved in communal riots, and ``having a communal mentality''; those trading in narcotics or involved in smuggling; persons detained under PASA and other laws in the past; those involved in incidents of knifing, serious fights and murders; political leaders who help and support them; and Pakistani citizens.

Said Hanif Lakdawala, a social activist, ``The circular has created a sense of insecurity among Muslims''. The government claim that it was a routine exercise does not inspire confidence, he said, adding, ``First, they sent an offensive circular about Christians, now about Muslims. A criminal is a criminal. Why talk of his community''?

SIMI leader Arif Sheikh said some policemen had visited their office recently, asking for details of their members, but ``we refused''. ``The government is targeting us because we have been highlighting the anti-minority character of the Sangh Parivar'', Sheikh said, ``The circular shows the extent of penetration of police by communal elements''.

Usman Qureshi, general secretary of the Forum for Social Justice, said the circular showed ``a communal bias'', like the circular on Christians. ``We will use all constitutional and peaceful methods to oppose it. No one can force us to give information'', he asserted.

While the forum is planning to approach the Gujarat High Court, which has already asked the government to explain the survey of Christians, other organisations are planning to take out a silent march and lodge complaints with the Minorities Commission and the National Human Rights Commission.

Human rights activists and political parties have also criticised the circular. Deva Vrat Pathank, president of the Gujarat chapter of the People's Union for Civil Liberties, said the government should refrain from ``such foolish actions''. It was unfortunate that such things are happening ``in the constituency of the Union Home Minister'', Pathak said.

Congress vice-president Hasmukh Patel said the survey of Muslims, like the survey of Christians, showed the ``anti-minority character of the BJP''.