SRINAGAR: Hundreds of students and parents took to the streets in south Kashmir's Shopian district on Thursday to protest against the closure of Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom. The Jammu and Kashmir administration had declared the Shopian-based educational institution unlawful last month, citing alleged links with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami and accusations of fostering an environment conducive to radicalisation.
Protest Demands
The demonstrators demanded the reopening of the institution and expressed deep concern over their future. This marked the first major protest since the closure on April 27. Siraj-ul-Uloom operates both a school and a college, affiliated with the University of Kashmir, collectively educating over 800 students.
Political Reactions
Shopian's Independent MLA Shabir Ahmad Kullay stated, "If the authorities want corrective measures such as removing the management or changing teachers, let them do so. However, the institution should not be closed, as it will adversely affect a large number of students." Former Peoples Democratic Party legislator Aijaz Ahmad Mir echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that "education is a fundamental right. Students should never be made to suffer due to circumstances beyond their control."
The closure has sparked widespread concern among locals, who view the institution as vital for educational opportunities in the region. The protest highlights the tension between security measures and the right to education in Kashmir.
