Govt Declares Shopian Seminary Unlawful Under UAPA, Cites JeI Links and Radicalisation Concerns

Srinagar, April 27: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has declared Darul Uloom Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom in Imam Sahib, Shopian, an unlawful entity under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, citing alleged links with a banned organisation, financial irregularities, and concerns over misuse of the institution’s premises.

The order was issued by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg under Section 8(1) of the Act, following a dossier submitted by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Shopian, on March 24, 2026.

According to the order, authorities found that while the seminary functioned as a religious educational institution, it was affected by serious legal, administrative, and financial irregularities. These included questionable land acquisition practices, lack of mandatory registration, and attempts to evade regulatory oversight.

The administration also cited evidence of alleged links with Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), which has been banned by the Government of India since February 28, 2019. Officials claimed that individuals associated with the banned organisation continued to exert influence over the institution, including holding key administrative and academic positions.

Concerns were also raised about financial transparency, with authorities pointing to suspicious handling of funds and possible diversion of resources. Additionally, reports suggested that the institution may have fostered an environment conducive to radicalisation, with some former students allegedly involved in militant activities.

The order states that available material and intelligence inputs provided sufficient grounds to believe that the premises were being used for activities linked to an unlawful association.

Officials said due process was followed. A show-cause notice was issued to the institution’s chairman on March 31, 2026, seeking an explanation. After reviewing the response and consulting police authorities, the objections were rejected as lacking legal merit.

The administration clarified that the proceedings are preventive in nature and do not require the same standard of proof as criminal trials. It also noted that the institution failed to take adequate steps to prevent alleged misuse of its premises.

With the notification now in effect, authorities are empowered to take further action, including sealing the premises and freezing financial assets. Sources indicated that enforcement measures, including possible seizure, could follow within the next 24 to 48 hours. The institution reportedly has hundreds of enrolled students.