Srinagar, April 27: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has declared Darul Uloom Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom, Imam Sahib in Shopian, as an unlawful entity under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, citing alleged links with a banned organisation, financial irregularities, and concerns over misuse of the institution’s premises.
The declaration was made through an official order issued by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, in exercise of powers under Section 8(1) of the Act.
According to the order, accessed by news agency Kashmir Dot Com (KDC), the action follows a dossier submitted by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Shopian (No. CS/Conf-S/JeI/2026/22670-70 dated March 24, 2026). Upon examination of records and material on file, authorities concluded that the institution, while ostensibly functioning as a religious educational establishment, was “marred by serious legal, administrative and financial irregularities.” These included questionable land acquisition, lack of mandatory registration with competent authorities, and deliberate attempts to evade statutory oversight.
The order further states that credible inputs and evidence indicate sustained and covert linkages of the organization with Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), a proscribed unlawful association banned by the Government of India vide Notification S.O. 1145(E) dated February 28, 2019. It also alleges continued de facto control of the institution by individuals affiliated with the banned outfit, including their placement in key administrative and academic positions.
Authorities have also flagged financial opacity, suspicious handling of institutional funds, and changes in financial control structures, raising apprehensions of diversion and misuse of funds. Additionally, reports cited in the order claim that over time the institution fostered an environment conducive to radicalisation, with several former students allegedly found involved in militant activities and acts prejudicial to national security.
“The cumulative facts and circumstances, supported by intelligence inputs and field verification, provide sufficient grounds to reasonably believe that the premises are being used for the purposes of an unlawful association,” the order according to news agency Kashmir Dot Com reads.
The administration said due process was followed in line with the principles of natural justice. A show-cause notice (No. Div.Com/RA-7875301/2026 dated March 31, 2026) was issued to the Chairman of the institution, seeking an explanation as to why it should not be notified as unlawful. The Chairman submitted objections, following which comments were sought from the SSP Shopian (vide letter No. CS/Conf-S/JeI/2026/17900-03 dated April 21, 2026).
However, the police reported that the objections were “misconceived, factually untenable, and devoid of legal merit.” The proceedings, the order notes, are preventive in nature and aimed at curbing misuse of the premises for unlawful activities, and therefore do not require proof beyond reasonable doubt as in criminal trials.
It further states that the institution’s plea of innocence and non-involvement was found unsustainable, as available material suggested that it was aware of such activities and failed to take adequate steps to prevent misuse of its premises.
Invoking Section 8(1) of the UAPA, the Divisional Commissioner has formally notified the institution as an unlawful entity/place.
The notification enables consequential action by competent authorities, including sealing of the premises and freezing of financial assets.
Sources told Kashmir Dot Com that the institution is likely to face action, including possible seizure, within the next 24–48 hours. The institute reportedly had around hundreds of students on its rolls. (KDC)
