Web Desk: Authorities in Indian-occupied Kashmir have declared a religious educational institution in Shopian district unlawful, citing alleged links to a banned organisation and multiple regulatory violations, officials said on Monday.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration designated Darul Uloom Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom, located in the Imam Sahib area of south Kashmir’s Shopian district, as an unlawful entity under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
The order, issued by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, followed intelligence inputs and a detailed report submitted by the Senior Superintendent of Police in Shopian on March 24, 2026, officials said.
Officials alleged that the institution maintains connections with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir and its associated body, Falah-e-Aam Trust. The administration described the institute as a well-known educational center in the region.
In addition, authorities accused the institution of significant legal, administrative and financial violations. These include disputed land acquisition, failure to obtain mandatory registration, and attempts to bypass regulatory scrutiny.
According to the official order, intelligence assessments and field verification indicated that the premises were being used in a manner consistent with activities of an unlawful association.
Authorities also rejected the institution’s denial of involvement, stating that available evidence suggested it was aware of such activities and did not act to prevent the alleged misuse of its facilities.
The notification empowers the district magistrate to take control of the institute’s property and assets. At the same time, officials have been instructed to facilitate the transfer of enrolled students to government schools within the district.
The action forms part of a wider campaign targeting institutions suspected of links to banned organisations. Several similar establishments across the Kashmir Valley have already been shut down following adverse findings in recent months.
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