South Kashmir’s largest seminary declared unlawful under UAPA in major crackdown

J&K administration cites alleged Jamaat links and radicalisation concerns; political leaders call move unjustified

Srinagar– The Jammu and Kashmir administration has designated Darul Uloom Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom, the largest seminary in South Kashmir, as an unlawful entity under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), marking a significant step in its ongoing security crackdown in the region.

The order, issued by the Kashmir divisional commissioner, allows authorities to seal the institution and freeze its assets. Following the notification, local officials moved swiftly to shut down the premises in Shopian district.

According to the administration, the seminary maintained “covert linkages” with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami and fostered an environment conducive to radicalisation. Officials cited past incidents, including the alleged association of a former student with the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, to justify the action.

Established in 1998, the institution has been a prominent educational centre in the Valley, enrolling over 800 students and employing more than 100 faculty members. It offered both modern education and religious studies, making it a key institution for underprivileged students in the region.

The seminary’s management has strongly denied the allegations, stating that it operates within the law and has no connection with any banned organisation. The chairman described the action as baseless and said it has caused anxiety among students and their families.

The move has also triggered political backlash. Several leaders, including Mehbooba Mufti and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, criticised the decision, calling it harsh and questioning its impact on education in the region. Critics argue that shutting down such institutions could adversely affect students and limit access to education.

Officials, however, maintain that due process was followed, including issuing a show-cause notice before the final order. They emphasised that preventive action under UAPA does not require the same evidentiary threshold as criminal proceedings.

The development is being seen as a landmark decision, as it is the first time a major seminary in Jammu and Kashmir has been formally declared unlawful under the stringent anti-terror law.