The Indian government has intensified its crackdown on religious and educational institutions in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir by declaring Darul Uloom Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom, a prominent seminary in the Imam Sahib area of Shopian district, an unlawful entity under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. The order, issued by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, was based on intelligence inputs including a dossier submitted by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Shopian, on March 24, 2026.
Allegations Against the Seminary
The administration accused the seminary of maintaining linkages with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami and its affiliate, the Falah-e-Aam Trust, allegations that the institution has repeatedly denied. Additionally, authorities cited serious legal, administrative, and financial irregularities, including questionable land acquisition, lack of mandatory registration with competent authorities, and attempts to evade statutory oversight. The administration described the institution's response as unsustainable, alleging that it was aware of such activities and failed to prevent misuse of its premises.
Government Actions and Orders
The notification authorizes the district magistrate to take possession of the institute's premises and assets. Authorities have been directed to ensure the relocation and admission of students into government schools. Human rights observers describe this as part of a systematic campaign to undermine independent educational institutions and enforce state-controlled narratives on the Kashmiri population.
Widespread Concern
The closure of Darul Uloom Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom, widely regarded as one of South Kashmir's largest and most significant seminaries, has triggered widespread concern regarding the state of religious freedom and the continued targeting of institutions serving underprivileged sections of Kashmiri society. The seminary had been a vital educational center for many, and its closure marks a significant escalation in the administration's actions against prominent Islamic educational establishments in the valley.
