The News Craving
Srinagar: In a first-of-its-kind move, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has declared Darul Uloom Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom in Imam Sahib area of Shopian district an “unlawful entity” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, citing alleged links with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami and multiple irregularities, officials said on Monday.
The order, issued by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, was based on inputs including a dossier submitted by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Shopian, on March 24, 2026.
Authorities alleged that the institution, a prominent educational establishment in south Kashmir, maintained covert links with the outlawed Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir and its affiliate Falah-e-Aam Trust.
The administration also cited serious legal, administrative and financial irregularities, including questionable land acquisition, absence of mandatory registration with competent authorities, and attempts to evade statutory oversight.
“The cumulative facts and circumstances, supported by intelligence inputs and field verification, provide sufficient grounds to reasonably believe that the premises are being used for the purposes of an unlawful association,” the order stated.
Officials further alleged financial opacity, suspicious handling of institutional funds, and changes in financial control structures that raised concerns over possible diversion or misuse of funds.
The order also claimed that several former students of the seminary had been found involved in militant activities.
Authorities said the institution was given an opportunity to respond, but its objections were rejected as factually untenable and lacking legal merit.
The notification empowers the district magistrate concerned to take possession of the seminary’s premises and assets, while officials have been directed to relocate students to government schools within the district.
The move comes amid an ongoing crackdown on institutions allegedly linked to banned organisations. Earlier this month, the administration took over management of 58 schools associated with the Falah-e-Aam Trust, while last year it assumed control of 215 schools affiliated with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami across the Valley.
