Kashmir Seminary Declared Unlawful Under India’s Anti‑Terror Law, Spark Outcry

Kashmir Seminary Declared Unlawful Under India’s Anti‑Terror Law, Spark Outcry
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A prominent Islamic seminary in Indian‑administered Kashmir has been declared an “unlawful entity” under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), triggering strong criticism from local political and religious leaders.

According to Al Jazeera, the order, issued by the Kashmir Divisional Commissioner, targets Jamia Siraj‑ul‑Uloom, one of the largest seminaries in southern Kashmir. Authorities cited a police dossier alleging sustained and covert links between the institution’s management and the banned Jamaat‑e‑Islami (JeI), as well as concerns over land use and financial transparency. The designation under UAPA allows authorities to label individuals or organisations as linked to terrorism without traditional judicial proof.

Seminary officials have rejected the allegations, insisting the school is law‑abiding and unrelated to any banned group. The move has caused alarm among students, parents and community leaders, who say it has created panic and uncertainty about the future of the institution.

Critics in the Muslim‑majority region argue the decision reflects broader heavy‑handed policies by New Delhi that undermine civil society and civic life in Kashmir. Some lawmakers and commentators describe the action as part of a pattern of legal and administrative overreach, asserting that educational and social institutions are increasingly being curtailed under anti‑terror legislation.

Supporters of the government say such measures are necessary to counter militancy and ensure security in the long‑disputed region, which has seen decades of conflict and tensions over autonomy and governance.