JK admin declares Shopian seminary unlawful under UAPA, cites JeI links

Srinagar, Apr 27: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has declared Darul Uloom Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom at Imam Sahib in Shopian as an unlawful entity under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), citing alleged links with banned outfit Jamaat-e-Islami and concerns over radicalisation, officials said.

The declaration was made through an order issued by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg under Section 8(1) of the UAPA.

According to the order, the action follows a dossier submitted by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Shopian, on March 24, 2026. Authorities, after examining records and material on file, said the institution, though functioning as a religious educational establishment, was marked by legal, administrative and financial irregularities.

These included alleged irregularities in land acquisition, lack of mandatory registration with competent authorities and attempts to evade statutory oversight, the order said.

It further cited “credible inputs” indicating sustained and covert links of the institution with Jamaat-e-Islami, which was banned by the Centre in 2019. The order also alleged continued control of the seminary by individuals affiliated with the banned organisation, including their presence in administrative and academic roles.

Officials said financial irregularities, including lack of transparency in fund management and changes in financial control structures, raised concerns about possible diversion and misuse of funds.

The order also referred to reports suggesting that some former students of the institution were allegedly involved in militant activities, and that the premises were being used in a manner prejudicial to national security.

The administration said due process was followed before issuing the notification. A show-cause notice was served to the chairman of the institution on March 31, seeking an explanation. The response was examined and comments were sought from the SSP Shopian, who termed the objections “untenable”.

The order said the proceedings were preventive in nature and aimed at curbing misuse of the premises for unlawful activities.

Invoking provisions of the UAPA, the administration has notified the institution as an unlawful entity, enabling further action, including sealing of the premises and freezing of financial assets.

Officials said action against the institution, including possible seizure of the premises, is likely in the coming days.(KNS)