Darul Uloom Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom Declared an Unlawful Entity under UAPA
Introduction
The government of Jammu and Kashmir has officially declared Darul Uloom Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom, a well-known educational institution in Shopian, as an unlawful entity. This decision was made under Section 8(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Main Body
The government took this action after receiving a report from the Shopian Senior Superintendent of Police on March 24, 2026. On April 24, Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg issued an order stating there was evidence of secret links between the school and the banned group Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI). The administration claimed that members of JeI actually control the school's academic and administrative activities. As a result, District Magistrate Shishir Gupta issued orders to restrict unauthorized access to the premises. Officials justified the ban by asserting that the institution created an environment that encouraged radicalization. They pointed to the case of a former student, Sajjad Bhat, whose vehicle was used in the 2019 Pulwama attack; later investigations by the National Investigation Agency linked Bhat to Jaish-e-Mohammed. Furthermore, the government mentioned that three teachers were charged under the Public Safety Act in 2020 and expressed concerns about how the school's funds were being used. However, the school's leadership has denied these accusations. Chairman Mohammad Shafi Lone claimed the allegations are baseless and emphasized that the school follows the law and has no ties to banned groups. He stated he is willing to have a formal committee investigate the school. This view is supported by political leaders like Mehbooba Mufti and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who criticized the government's actions as unfair harassment of an institution that helps poor people.
Conclusion
Darul Uloom Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom remains closed and is classified as an unlawful entity while legal and administrative processes continue regarding its alleged links to banned organizations.