Indian-Controlled J&K Administration Accused of Targeting Muslim Institutions, Urdu Language

Indian-Controlled J&K Administration Accused of Targeting Muslim Institutions, Urdu Language
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Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has accused the region’s administration of systematically targeting Muslim religious institutions and the Urdu language.

Speaking in Ganderbal on May 3, Mufti criticized the shutdown of key educational institutions like Sirajul Uloom, which she argued were essential for underprivileged students’ success. She linked these closures to a broader agenda to marginalize the Muslim community, stressing that the move was not accidental.

Mufti also expressed concern over the administration’s actions against Urdu, a language deeply embedded in the region’s history, claiming these efforts aimed at “erasing” Muslim cultural and religious identity. Her remarks followed the administration’s decision to declare Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom in Shopian unlawful under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, accusing the institution of fostering a radicalized environment, though Mufti called the ban an “injustice” to poor communities who relied on such institutions for education.

She argued that the closures would deepen educational disparities and undermine the diverse cultural landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.