Jammu and Kashmir Administration Labels Shopian Seminary ‘Unlawful’ Under UAPA

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has officially classified Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom, a prominent seminary located in Shopian, as an unlawful entity under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). This designation stems from allegations of covert connections with the banned organization Jamaat-e-Islami, as reported by The Indian Express on Monday.

The administration’s ruling underscores serious concerns regarding legal, administrative, and financial irregularities within the seminary. Officials assert that the institution has cultivated an atmosphere that may encourage radicalization. The decision to tag the seminary as unlawful was made under Section 8(1) of the UAPA, a provision that permits the divisional commissioner to designate places tied to unlawful associations. This classification enables the government to implement measures such as freezing assets and sealing the premises.

This move follows a police report revealing troubling findings regarding the seminary’s operations. Investigative records indicated that while the institution appears to operate as a religious educational establishment, it is significantly tainted by issues such as questionable land acquisitions, an absence of mandatory registrations with relevant authorities, and intentional attempts to bypass statutory oversight.

Furthermore, the administration’s order noted that credible evidence suggests ongoing and covert links between Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom and Jamaat-e-Islami, including continued influence by individuals associated with the banned group. These findings highlight the challenges the Jammu and Kashmir administration faces in regulating institutions that may harbor extremist ideologies.

The implications of this decision are profound, as the seminary, being one of the largest in South Kashmir, plays a crucial role in the region’s educational landscape. The administration’s actions reflect a broader strategy to combat radicalization and maintain law and order in the region, which has been historically fraught with conflict and tension.

Source: scroll.in