The Jammu and Kashmir administration has banned Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom, an educational institution in Shopian, over its alleged links with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami and charges of fostering an environment conducive to radicalisation. The institution was sealed on Monday under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA), based on a report by the Shopian Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP).
Official Order and Grounds for Ban
Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg issued the order on April 24, declaring the institution unlawful. The two-page order cited the SSP’s dossier of March 24, 2026, which alleged that the institution, though ostensibly a religious educational establishment, was marred by serious legal, administrative, and financial irregularities. These included questionable land acquisition, lack of mandatory registration with competent authorities, and deliberate attempts to evade statutory oversight. The order further claimed credible inputs and evidence of covert linkages with the proscribed Jamaat-e-Islami, adding that a number of former students had been found involved in militant activities and acts prejudicial to national security.
Institution’s Background and Response
Established in 1998, Siraj-ul-Uloom runs a school and a college affiliated with the University of Kashmir, with over 800 students and 100 teachers and staff. Following the SSP’s report, the institution’s chairman, Mohd Shafi Lone, was issued a showcause notice on March 31, 2026. He responded with objections, which the SSP rejected as misconceived, factually untenable, and devoid of legal merit, paving the way for the ban. Shafi expressed surprise at the action, asserting that the institution is not involved in any unlawful activity and follows all government regulations, denying any affiliation with Jamaat-e-Islami. In August last year, the institution had held a Tricolour rally to affirm its patriotic credentials.
Political Reactions
The ban has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders. PDP chief and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti called it a flagrant injustice to the poor underprivileged sections of society, accusing the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government of being a mute bystander and a timid enabler of vicious assaults on Jammu and Kashmir’s identity and dignity. She noted that the institution had produced reputed doctors and professionals who served the nation with dedication, and argued that banning such altruistic institutions without solid evidence of anti-national activity showed deep-seated prejudice and ill intentions.
Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone termed the move deeply concerning, saying it has become a trend and is dangerous. He criticised selective targeting, stating that it will not work. Chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq echoed the condemnation, questioning how long the LG administration would continue its policy of disempowerment and how long the elected government would let this happen. He highlighted the irony of a sitting MP being denied bail to visit his critically ill father while a leading educational institute with a rich legacy is declared unlawful.
