Kashmir Impulse Desk

Shopian, April 27 

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday sealed a religious seminary in Shopian district and barred public access after it was declared an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, officials said.

The action followed an order by the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, Anshul Garg, designating Dar-ul-Uloom Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom in the Imam Sahib area as unlawful.

A separate prohibitory order issued by the district magistrate barred entry to the premises, stating that only residents or those with prior permission could access the site, with violations attracting legal action.

Officials said the designation was based on a police dossier submitted in March, citing alleged links to the banned Jamaat-e-Islami and concerns over radicalisation.

Authorities also pointed to alleged administrative and financial irregularities, including issues related to land acquisition and registration, and said some former students had been linked to militant activities. 

The premises were described in official documents as being used in a manner “prejudicial to national security.”

The order said the institution had been given an opportunity to respond to the allegations, but authorities found its objections to be without merit after reviewing police inputs.

The move drew criticism from Altaf Bukhari, president of the Apni Party, who urged the government to reconsider the decision.

In a statement, Bukhari said thousands of students depended on the seminary for their education and should not suffer due to the action. 

He called for a “constructive approach,” suggesting oversight measures instead of a ban.

Authorities have not publicly responded to his remarks.