Jammu and Kashmir administration has declared Darul Uloom Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom, located in Imam Sahib area of Shopian district, as an illegal institution. This action has been taken under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. The administration has cited alleged links with a banned organization, financial irregularities and misuse of premises. In the official order issued by Kashmir's Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg, many serious allegations have been made against the organization.
According to the information, the administration took this decision using its powers under Section 8(1) of UAPA. According to the order, this action has been taken on the basis of a detailed dossier sent by the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Shopian on March 24, 2026, in which several objections were registered regarding the activities of the organization.
Investigation revealed that this religious educational institution is surrounded by many legal, administrative and financial irregularities. This includes irregularities in land acquisition, lack of necessary registration and attempts to avoid rules. The administration says that the activities of the organization were not limited to education only, but were also related to other suspicious activities.
The order also states that the organization has deep and secret links with the banned organization Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI). This organization was banned by the Government of India in 2019. It is alleged that people associated with this organization were holding administrative and educational posts of the organization and the organization was being run under their influence.
The administration has also raised serious questions on the financial activities of the institution. According to the report, lack of transparency in the use of funds, suspicious transactions and misuse of funds have been suspected. This gave rise to apprehensions that the organization's resources could be used for illegal activities. Along with this, it has also been claimed in the administrative order that with time such an environment developed in the institution, which promoted fundamentalism. It is also said that some former students are involved in terrorist activities, which poses a threat to national security.
The administration had also issued a show cause notice to the organization before taking action. The chairman of the organization filed a reply, but the police described it as unsatisfactory on the basis of facts and law. The administration said the institution's claim of innocence and not being involved in illegal activities was found to be "invalid" and that the material available showed that the institution was aware of such activities and failed to prevent misuse of its premises. After considering all aspects, the institution was declared illegal.
After this order, the administration has got the right to seal the premises of the institution and freeze its financial assets. According to sources, more strict action can be taken against the institution in the next 24 to 48 hours. At present, hundreds of students were studying in this institute. Officials have been directed to ensure transfer and admission of students in government schools within the district.
Officials said the move is part of a broader crackdown on institutions allegedly linked to banned organisations, and several such institutions in the Kashmir Valley have already been closed following adverse reports. This action shows the strictness of the administration regarding security and law and order in Jammu and Kashmir.
