The Shopian seminary UAPA ban marks a significant move by the Jammu and Kashmir administration, which has declared Darul Uloom Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom as an unlawful entity, citing alleged links with banned groups and security concerns.
POONCH MIRROR, NEWS DESK APRIL 27,2026
Srinagar, Apr 27:The Jammu and Kashmir administration has designated Darul Uloom Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom, located in Imam Sahib area of Shopian district, as an unlawful entity under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), citing alleged connections with the banned organisation Jamaat-e-Islami and concerns related to radicalisation, officials said.
The decision was formalised through an order issued by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, under Section 8(1) of the Act.
According to the order, the move follows a dossier submitted by the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Shopian, on March 24, 2026. After reviewing available records and supporting material, authorities stated that the institution, while operating as a religious educational centre, exhibited several legal, administrative, and financial discrepancies.
These reportedly include irregularities in land acquisition, absence of mandatory registration with relevant authorities, and efforts to bypass statutory oversight mechanisms.
The order further refers to what it describes as “credible inputs” suggesting ongoing and covert links between the seminary and Jamaat-e-Islami, which was banned by the central government in 2019. It also alleges that individuals associated with the banned organisation continue to exert influence over the seminary’s administration and academic functioning.
Officials also pointed to financial concerns, including a lack of transparency in fund management and alterations in financial control structures, raising the possibility of fund diversion or misuse.
Additionally, the order mentions reports indicating that some former students of the institution were allegedly involved in militant activities, and that the premises were being used in a way considered detrimental to national security.
The administration stated that due process was followed prior to the declaration. A show-cause notice was issued to the chairman of the institution on March 31, seeking an explanation. The response was reviewed, and further input was obtained from the SSP Shopian, who reportedly found the objections to be “untenable.”
The order describes the action as preventive, aimed at stopping the alleged misuse of the institution’s premises for unlawful purposes.
By invoking provisions of the UAPA, the administration has formally notified the seminary as an unlawful entity, paving the way for further measures such as sealing the premises and freezing associated financial assets.
Officials indicated that additional action, including possible seizure of the property, may follow in the coming days.
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