Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha (File photo/PTI)
SRINAGAR: J&K authorities have banned Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom over alleged links with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami and charges of “fostering an environment conducive to radicalisation”. The educational institution based in Shopian was sealed on Monday.According to an order issued by Kashmir divisional commissioner Anshul Garg on April 24, the institution has been declared “unlawful” under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA), based on a report of the Shopian police chief (SSP).PDP chief and former CM Mehbooba Mufti called the action “flagrant injustice to the poor underprivileged sections of society”. Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone termed the move “deeply concerning.” “This has now become a trend. It is dangerous. Selective targeting will not work,” Sajad said.Established in 1998, Siraj-ul-Uloom runs a school and a college, which is affiliated to University of Kashmir. Both have over 800 students and 100 teachers and other staff members.In his two-page order, commissioner Garg cited the SSP’s dossier of March 24, 2026, saying “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 order claims “credible inputs and evidence on covert linkages of the proscribed Jamaat-e-Isami”. It says “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”.Following the SSP’s report, Siraj-ul-Uloom chairman Mohd Shafi Lone was issued a showcause on March 31, 2026. He responded with objections but the SSP rejected them as “misconceived, factually untenable, and devoid of legal merit”, paving the way for the ban.Mehbooba seized on the action to slam the Omar Abdullah-led NC govt, accusing it of being a “mute bystander and a timid enabler of vicious assaults on J&Ks identity and dignity”. The Omar govt does not oversee law and order. The Centre-appointed lieutenant governor (LG) Manoj Sinha does so.“This institution (Siraj-ul-Uloom) 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 deep-seated prejudice and ill intentions,” Mehbooba said.Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Kashmir’s chief cleric, echoed the condemnation. “A sitting MP (Engineer Rashid) is denied bail to visit his critically ill father. Now, a leading educational institute with a rich legacy is declared unlawful. Can the LG administration tell the people of Kashmir how long they will continue this policy disempowerment? And can the elected (Omar) govt tell us how long they will let this happen,” Mirwaiz asked.Siraj-ul-Uloom chief Shafi expressed surprise at the action. “We are not involved in any unlawful activity and follow all govt regulations. We have no affiliation with Jamaat-e-Islami,” Shafi asserted.Siraj-ul-Uloom denied Jamaat links in the past, too. In Aug last year, its teachers and students held a Tricolour rally to affirm their patriotic credentials and express allegiance to the nation.
