Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have declared Darul Uloom Jamia Sirajul Uloom, an educational institution located in Imam Sahib, Shopian, as an unlawful entity under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). This decisive action follows allegations that 17 former students of the seminary subsequently joined terrorist ranks and were later eliminated in separate encounters. A police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the consistent pattern of indoctrination and recruitment from the institution indicated a significant concern for national security.
The formal declaration came on April 24, when Anshul Garg, the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, issued a two-page order. This order was reportedly based on a detailed dossier compiled by the Senior Superintendent of Police in Shopian, which outlined alleged illegal activities conducted within the premises of Darul Uloom Jamia Sirajul Uloom. Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that the order cited credible input and evidence on record pointing towards sustained and covert linkages between the institution and the Jamaat-e-Islami, an organization that the central government had previously banned in 2019. The order further asserted that individuals affiliated with the banned outfit exercised de facto control over the institution, occupying key administrative and academic positions. It was alleged that the institution, over a period of time, cultivated an environment conducive to radicalization, with a notable number of its alumni becoming involved in terror-related activities.
However, Mohammad Shafi Lone, the chairman of Darul Uloom Jamia Sirajul Uloom, has vehemently denied any association with the Jamaat-e-Islami or any other proscribed outfit. Speaking to reporters, Lone emphasized that the institute operates as a law-abiding entity and has no connection to the banned organization. He highlighted that the school currently has an enrollment of 814 students and is affiliated with the Board of School Education and the Kashmir School Federation, underscoring its legitimacy as an educational establishment. Lone also revealed that the institution had received a show-cause notice from the authorities the previous month and had submitted a comprehensive reply. He expressed willingness for a thorough investigation, stating that if any allegations were found to be true, the institute would fully cooperate with the government’s decisions.
Despite these assurances, the official narrative suggests that security agencies have, over an extended period, generated adverse reports indicating the institution’s potential involvement in activities detrimental to the nation’s security and integrity. The input reportedly suggested the existence of a support ecosystem within the institution that facilitated and encouraged unlawful and anti-national activities. Furthermore, it was claimed that many close relatives of slain terrorists held significant positions within the Jamia Sirajul Uloom. The official also indicated that members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami might have been operating through proxies to covertly advance their agenda and evade legal scrutiny, according to PTI.
The UAPA, enacted in 1967 and significantly amended in 2019, grants broad powers to the government to designate individuals and organizations as unlawful. This designation allows for the seizure of their property and imposes severe penalties on those found to be associated with them. The act has been a subject of considerable debate, with critics arguing that its provisions can be misused to stifle dissent, while proponents maintain its necessity for effectively combating terrorism and safeguarding national security. The application of UAPA in cases involving educational institutions raises complex questions about the balance between security concerns and academic freedom, particularly in regions with a history of militancy.
The decision to declare Darul Uloom Jamia Sirajul Uloom unlawful is likely to have far-reaching implications for other similar institutions in the region. It signals a heightened level of scrutiny by security agencies and the administration towards educational bodies suspected of harboring or promoting extremist ideologies. The process leading to such a declaration typically involves intelligence gathering, dossier preparation, and a formal order from designated authorities, as seen in this case. The dossier presented by the Shopian police, which formed the basis for the Divisional Commissioner’s order, would have contained specific details and evidence of the alleged linkages and activities, though these were not fully elaborated in the initial reports.
The Jamaat-e-Islami, prior to its ban, was a prominent socio-political organization in Jammu and Kashmir, advocating for various causes, including the right to self-determination. Its activities and influence have been a focal point for security agencies for many years. The alleged continued influence of the banned outfit through proxies, as suggested by the official, points to the persistent challenges faced by authorities in dismantling extremist networks. The involvement of relatives of slain terrorists in key positions within the seminary further fuels the allegations of a deep-rooted connection to militant elements.
The response from the chairman of the institute, Mohammad Shafi Lone, highlights the counter-narrative often presented in such cases. Educational institutions, especially those with religious affiliations, can become unwitting or, in some cases, deliberate conduits for radicalization. The claim of affiliation with the Board of School Education and the Kashmir School Federation suggests a formal educational structure that, if compromised, could lend a veneer of legitimacy to illicit activities. The offer to cooperate with an investigation and support government action in case of proven guilt indicates a potential strategy to mitigate the impact of the ban and demonstrate a commitment to lawful operations.
The broader context of the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains a critical factor in understanding such actions. The region has witnessed decades of insurgency and counter-insurgency operations, with education and religious institutions sometimes becoming battlegrounds for ideological influence. The government’s stance, as reflected in the UAPA declaration, underscores its determination to root out any support structures for terrorism, even if they are embedded within seemingly legitimate organizations. The effectiveness and fairness of such measures, however, continue to be subjects of ongoing debate and scrutiny, both domestically and internationally.
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, under which the seminary has been declared unlawful, is a powerful tool in the government’s anti-terrorism arsenal. It allows for the designation of individuals and associations as terrorists or terrorist organizations, leading to severe legal consequences. The broad definition of ‘unlawful activity’ under the Act encompasses actions that may disrupt the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of India. The application of this Act to an educational institution signifies the gravity with which the authorities view the alleged recruitment and indoctrination activities.
The allegations against Darul Uloom Jamia Sirajul Uloom are serious and point to a potential nexus between religious education and militant recruitment. The fact that 17 alumni were allegedly killed in encounters after joining terrorist ranks is a stark indicator of the alleged radicalization process. The police dossier, cited as the basis for the ban, would have contained specific intelligence inputs and evidence to substantiate these claims. The role of the Jamaat-e-Islami, a banned organization, in allegedly controlling key positions within the seminary further strengthens the government’s case for declaring it unlawful.
The chairman’s denial and his assertion of the institution’s legitimacy as a recognized educational body present a contrasting perspective. The mention of affiliations with the Board of School Education and the Kashmir School Federation suggests that the seminary operates within the established educational framework. However, the allegations of covert linkages and fostering an environment conducive to radicalization, if proven, would override these affiliations. The offer for an investigation and cooperation with the government indicates a potential attempt to salvage the institution’s reputation or to demonstrate transparency.
The broader implications of this action extend to the ongoing efforts by the Indian government to combat terrorism and extremism in Jammu and Kashmir. The use of the UAPA signifies a tough stance against any organization perceived to be supporting or facilitating terrorist activities. The case of Darul Uloom Jamia Sirajul Uloom highlights the complex challenges faced by authorities in distinguishing between legitimate educational pursuits and the insidious spread of extremist ideologies. The outcome of this declaration and any subsequent legal proceedings will be closely watched, as they could set precedents for similar actions in the future.
The official’s statement about security agencies generating adverse reports over time suggests a sustained period of surveillance and intelligence gathering concerning the institution. The mention of a support environment enabling anti-national activities and the presence of relatives of slain terrorists in key positions are critical points that likely formed part of the evidence presented to justify the UAPA declaration. The assertion that banned outfit members are operating through proxies underscores the sophisticated tactics employed by such groups to evade detection and legal action.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
