New accusations have surfaced against the Darul Uloom Jamia Sirajul Uloom school in Shopian. These include claims of illegal land grabbing, dishonest money management, and ties to the banned group Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI). Because of these issues, the government has blocked unauthorized people from entering the school, leaving hundreds of students worried about their education. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Investigators say the land for the school was taken by force in 1994 with the help of corrupt officials. They also claim the school was operating without the right permits or safety certificates. To hide who was really in charge, the school allegedly set up multiple bank accounts and registered itself as a company to avoid government checks.
Security sources call the school a “center for radicalization.” They pointed out that 17 former students have been arrested for terrorism and other serious crimes.
The school’s chairman, Mohammad Shafi Lone, denies all these claims. He says the school has no ties to the banned group and simply serves its 800 students. Meanwhile, parents and students are asking the government to help them continue their classes, as the sudden closure has put their future at risk.
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Why Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir Was Banned by the Indian Government
The Government of India banned Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), saying the organisation was involved in activities that threatened national security and the unity of the country.
The ban was first imposed in February 2019 and was extended for another five years in February 2024.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the organisation was allegedly involved in activities aimed at disturbing India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The government also accused the group of having links with militant organisations and supporting extremist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities have historically linked the organisation with Hizbul Mujahideen.
Officials further claimed that the organisation promoted separatist ideas and anti-India sentiments in the region.
Another major allegation was that some institutions and networks linked to the group were being used to encourage radicalisation and spread anti-government narratives.
In recent developments, the J&K administration declared Siraj-ul-Uloom in Shopian an unlawful entity in April 2024, alleging covert links with the banned organisation.
The move led to protests in parts of south Kashmir, where students and parents expressed concern about the future of education. Some political leaders also criticised the action, saying it targeted the religious and cultural identity of the local community.
Under the UAPA, authorities are allowed to:
- Seal offices and institutions linked to the organisation
- Freeze bank accounts and financial assets
- Arrest or prosecute individuals associated with the banned group if involved in unlawful activities
The government says these actions are part of its “zero-tolerance policy” against militancy and separatism and are aimed at ensuring long-term peace and security in the region.
