Fresh allegations of irregular land acquisition, questionable financial practices and alleged links with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) have surfaced against Darul Uloom Jamia Sirajul Uloom in Imam Sahib area of Shopian, even as hundreds of students face uncertainty over the continuation of their education.
The institution was declared an unlawful entity on April 24 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), based on a dossier prepared by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Shopian. The district administration subsequently barred the entry of unauthorised persons into the premises.
Sources familiar with the matter alleged that the land on which the seminary was established in 1994 had been acquired through coercion and in violation of legal procedures, with suspected involvement of revenue officials who bypassed prescribed procedures.
They also said the institution was operating without valid registration from the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education and lacked mandatory clearance certificates. In addition, it was running a Fazila College affiliated with the University of Kashmir despite what officials described as serious regulatory deficiencies.
It was further flagged by what sources termed “dubious financial practices”, including multiple bank accounts and recent changes in authorised signatories, raising concerns over possible concealment of financial control and diversion of funds.
According to sources, the institution was registered on the NGO Darpan portal under two entities — “Siraj-ul-Uloom Educational Society” (registered in 2018) and “Siraj-ul-Uloom Welfare Foundation” (registered in 2025). The latter was also incorporated as a company, which sources alleged was done to bypass regulatory oversight and avoid mandatory re-registration under provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act.
Sources said the management did not seek re-registration, anticipating possible rejection, and instead adopted a corporate structure to continue operations without obtaining the requisite security clearance.
They alleged “sustained linkages” with Jamaat-e-Islami and claimed the institution had become a “hub of radicalisation”. Sources said at least 17 former students had been booked in terror-related cases across Kashmir and Jammu under laws including the UAPA, Indian Penal Code, Arms Act and NDPS Act.
Those named include Rayees Ahmad Teli of Kadgam (Shopian), Aadil Gulzar of Kanelwan (Anantnag), Qasim Mohammad of Midoora (Tral), Shakir Ahmad Paul of Dangerpora (Shopian), Hilal Ahmad Wani of Budgam, Munib-ul-Haq of Sugan, Zubair Ahmad Nengroo of Aloora, Aijaz Ahmad Paul of Losdanew, Sajad Ahmad Bhat of Marhama, Nazim Nazir Dar of Urpara Nagbal, Muzaffer Ahmad Bhat of DK Pora, Yawar Majeed Itoo of Safanagri, Asif Ahmad Lone of Turkwangam, Showkat Ahmad Kumar of Trenz, Tariq Ahmad Sheikh of Chitragam, Javid Rashid Bhat of Ganderbal and Owais Ahmad Malik of Arwani Bijbehara.
The management, however, has denied all allegations. Mohammad Shafi Lone, chairman of the institute, had told reporters that it had no links with Jamaat-e-Islami and was functioning as an educational institution serving the community, with over 800 students enrolled.
Meanwhile, students and parents have expressed concern over the sudden closure, saying it has disrupted academic activity and left their future uncertain.
“Our studies have come to a halt after the closure. We request the authorities to ensure that our education continues,” said a student, requesting anonymity.
Parents said many students had been enrolled at the institution for years, and any prolonged disruption would affect their academic progress.
