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Prominent J&K Madrasa Declared Unlawful Entity Over Jamaat-e-Islami Links
The Jammu and Kashmir government declared Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom, a prominent madrasa in Shopian, as an unlawful entity under the UAPA, citing alleged links with Jamaat-e-Islami, radicalisation concerns, opaque funding, and lack of registration. The move follows a government order and is described as preventive, with due process reportedly observed including a notice to the institution’s chairman.
Why It Matters
The declaration uses the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act to curb alleged extremist influence and funding, potentially affecting hundreds of students and the institution’s governance. It underscores ongoing tensions over religious education institutions and security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir.
Timeline
2 Events
Declaration of Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom as Unlawful Entity under UAPA
April 27, 2026
On April 27, 2026, the Jammu and Kashmir government, through Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg, issued an order under Section 8(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, declaring Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom, Imam Sahib, Shopian, an Unlawful Entity/Place. The order cites credible inputs of sustained and covert links with Jamaat-e-Islami, which has been banned by the Centre, and alleges that the seminary is involved in radicalisation, lacks mandatory registration, and has questionable funding. It states that individuals affiliated with Jamaat-e-Islami influence the seminary’s administrative and academic matters, and that action is preventive and does not require proof beyond reasonable doubt. The order authorises sealing of premises and freezing of financial assets under UA(P)A 1967. The government notes that several former students have reportedly engaged in militant activities, and claims the seminary has been involved in radicalisation. After due process— including issuing a notice to the chairman— the administration defended its actions. The seminary has denied links with Jamaat and has been described as providing both religious and modern education with hundreds of students enrolled in multi-storey buildings.
Tricolour rally by Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom (August 2025)
August 2025
In August 2025, teachers and students of Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom held a tricolour rally to show patriotic credentials and honour the national flag, an event cited in the government notification as part of the madrasa's public profile.