Full Breakdown
Court Orders Reopening of Darul Uloom Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom in Shopian
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Background: Closure Under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act
In April 2026 the seminary-cum-school was sealed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) after the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, Anshul Garg, exercised powers under Section 8(1) of the act. The order cited alleged covert links to the banned organization Jamaat-e-Islami, alleged financial irregularities, and concerns that the premises were being misused. Following the order, the District Magistrate of Shopian invoked Section 8(4) of the UAPA to bar entry, leading to the institution’s shutdown.
Institutional Profile and Enrollment Figures
The school, known as Darul Uloom Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom, is one of the largest seminaries in South Kashmir. One source reports “nearly 1,200 students” enrolled, while another specifies “814 students” and “102 staff members.” The discrepancy reflects differing counts provided in the two reports.
Official Responses and Oversight Arrangements
On September 24, 2026, Principal and Sessions Judge Mehmood Ahmad Chowdhary of Shopian granted interim relief, permitting the institution to reopen and resume classes while the main case proceeds. The order also mandated the creation of a three-member oversight committee comprising representatives from the Education Department, the administration, and local civil society to supervise the school’s functioning.
Advocate S. M. Iqbal, counsel for the seminary, explained that the petition for interim relief was filed to protect the future of the students and the livelihoods of employees affected by the closure. He noted that the government’s material at the prima-facie stage was insufficient to justify keeping the entire institution shut.
Verbatim Quote
“The interim relief has been granted till the main case is decided. The court heard the petition and, if it deemed fit, could completely halt education at the school with 400 students living on the campus. We pleaded that the school has no record of any student, staff, or administration being involved in anything,” — Advocate S. M. Iqbal