Jammu and Kashmir declares Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom as unlawful entity under UAPA; Mehbooba calls it 'flagrant injustice'

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir administration has declared Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom, Imam Sahib in Shopian, an unlawful entity under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, over alleged links with Jamaat-e-Islami and charges of fostering an environment conducive to radicalisation.According to an order issued by the divisional commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg the institution has been declared unlawful based on a dossier of the senior superintendent of police (SSP), Shopian.The decision has evoked reaction with former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti calling it “flagrant injustice to the poor underprivileged sections of society.” After the div comm’s order the institution was sealed today.In his two page order the div comm said that the SSP, Shopian submitted a dossier on March 24 2026 against Darul Uloor Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom, Imam Sahib, Shopian indicating it “has emerged that the institution, though ostensibly functioning as a religious educational establishment, is marred by serious legal, administrative, and financial irregularities, including questionable land acquisition, lack of mandatory registration with competent authorities, and deliberate attempts to evade statutory oversight.” The Div Comm order also reads that “credible inputs and evidence on record further indicate sustained and covert linkages of the proscribed Jamaat-e-Isami.It further said the institution “over a period of time has fostered an environment conducive to radicalization, with a number of its former students having been found involved in militant activities and acts prejudicial to national security, thereby suggesting misuse of the institution for purposes detrimental to the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.” The order also said that the chairman of the Darul Uloom Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom, Imam Sahib, Shopian on March 31, 2026 was issued show cause notice, which he responded through his objections. However, the SSP Shopian on April 21, 2026 called the objections as misconceived, factually untenable, and devoid of legal merit. Following it, the div comm under Section 8(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 declared it unlawful on April 24.In her reaction former CM Mehbooba said, “every single day the J&K government acts as a mute bystander and a timid enabler of vicious assaults on J&Ks identity & dignity. Declaring Dar Ul Uloom Jamia Siraj Ul Uloom as an unlawful entity under UAPA is a flagrant injustice to the poor underprivileged sections of society,” Mehbooba said.“This institution served as a beacon of quality education for students unable to afford expensive schooling. It has produced reputed doctors and professionals who served this nation with dedication. Banning these altruistic institutions without any solid evidence of anti-national activity shows a deep-seated prejudice and ill intention,” the former CM said.Siraj-ul-Uloom chairman Mohd Shafi Lone expressed surprise at the sudden announcement, stating that he had already submitted a detailed response to the show-cause notice. “Our school is affiliated with the school federation of Kashmir, it is recognized by the Board of School Education and our college is affiliated with the University of Kashmir,” Lone told media persons. Lone said the institution has 814 students and a staff of 102 and that the government decision has caused concern among students and teachers. “We are not involved in any unlawful activity and are following all government rules and regulations. We have no affiliation with Jamaat-e-Islami. The property belongs to Sufi saint,” he added.In the past the institution has repeatedly denied any links with Jamaat-e-Islami. In August last year, teachers and students of Siraj-ul-Uloom held a tricolour rally to demonstrate their patriotic credentials and express allegiance to the nation.