J&K Declares Siraj-ul-Uloom Seminary ‘Unlawful Entity’ Over Links To Jamaat-e-Islami

The administration cited “credible inputs” suggesting covert links between the Siraj-ul-Uloom seminary and the banned Jamaat-e-Islami.

Siraj-ul-Uloom, a religious-cum-modern educational institution in Shopian, is the first seminary to be declared unlawful in J&K.

Authorities in Jammu & Kashmir have declared Darul Uloom Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom, one of Kashmir’s biggest educational seminaries in Imam Sahib area of Shopian district, an “unlawful entity” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, over alleged links with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami and concerns over misuse of institutional premises.

The order, issued by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, said that investigations and intelligence inputs indicated that the institution was functioning as a religious educational establishment, but it was associated with “serious legal, administrative, and financial irregularities,” including a lack of mandatory registration and questionable handling of funds.

Siraj-ul-Uloom, a religious-cum-modern educational institution, is the first seminary to be declared unlawful in J&K. The move came after the administration designated more than 58 schools “affiliated” to the Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT).

Why J&K Declared It ‘Unlawful Entity’?

Under Section 8(1) of the UAPA, the government now has the power to seal the premises of the institution and freeze financial assets linked to the seminary.

According to the notification accessed by CNN-News18, authorities found “credible inputs” suggesting sustained and covert links between the seminary and Jamaat-e-Islami, which has been banned by the Government of India. The district administration also alleged that individuals affiliated with the organisation exercised influence over administrative and academic positions within the institution.

Officials further claimed that over time, the seminary fostered an environment conducive to radicalisation, noting that several former students had allegedly been involved in militant activities. Financial opacity and suspected diversion of funds were also cited as grounds for action by the administration in the order.

It also alleged that the institution was “aware of such activities and failed to take adequate steps to prevent misuse of its premises, thereby rendering it liable for action under the applicable provisions of law.”

Sources told CNN-News18 that around 600 students had enrolled in the seminary when it came under scrutiny in 2020 after 11 alumni were found to be associated with militancy.

The J&K administration said due process was followed before the declaration, including issuing a notice to the institution’s chairman and considering objections that were raised. However, authorities concluded that the explanations were “factually untenable and devoid of legal merit.”

Notably, Jamaat-e-Islami was first banned by the Indian government in February 2019 under the UAPA, days after the Pulwama terror attack. Authorities had accused the group of supporting militancy, radicalisation, and secessionist activities.

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