Kashmir Crisis 💔: Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom Shut Down?

JAMIA SIRAJ-UL-ULOOM: THE UNLAWFULLY DESIGNATED SEMINARY
The declaration of Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom as unlawful under anti-terror laws has ignited significant controversy in Kashmir, prompting immediate reactions from religious and political leaders. The order, issued by Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg, stems from a police dossier alleging sustained and covert links between the seminary and the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI). This action has understandably caused widespread panic among students and parents, given the seminary’s prominent role within the southern Kashmir community. The allegations center on the involvement of the seminary’s management and faculty with JeI, alongside concerns regarding land use and financial transparency, all substantiated within the police dossier. The move leverages the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), a contentious law allowing authorities to designate individuals as “terrorists” without requiring concrete evidence, further intensifying the criticism surrounding the government’s actions. The seminary, recognized by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education and serving over 800 students, including those from underprivileged backgrounds, is now facing severe restrictions, highlighting the broader anxieties about civil liberties within the region.

THE RESPONSE AND POLITICAL CONFLICT
The declaration has triggered a robust response from key figures in Kashmir, framing it as a deliberate attempt to dismantle civic life. Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, a parliament member, characterized the action as part of a calculated campaign by New Delhi. The seminary’s chairman, Mohammad Shafi Lone, vehemently denied the allegations, asserting the institution’s commitment to lawful operation and its separation from JeI. However, the damage was done, and the order has fueled broader anxieties about governmental overreach. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti criticized the decision as “flagrant injustice” towards the poor and underprivileged, while Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the top Muslim cleric, highlighted a pattern of alleged harassment and disempowerment by the administration, including property seizures and arrests under the Public Safety Act. These responses underscore the deep-seated resentment towards the central government’s policies and the perceived erosion of autonomy within the region. The political landscape is further complicated by the upcoming local elections, where the concerns surrounding freedom of expression and religious institutions are expected to be central issues.

CONTEXTUALIZED CONCERNS: BROADER TRENDS IN KASHMIR ADMINISTRATION
The situation surrounding Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom reflects a larger context of increasing governmental scrutiny and control in Indian-administered Kashmir. Following the revocation of Article 370 in 2019 and the division of the region into two territories, Kashmiri leaders have voiced persistent concerns about curtailments of religious and other freedoms. The profiling of Kashmir mosques, leading to increased surveillance and restrictions on gatherings, exemplifies this trend. Furthermore, the ongoing limitations on access to the Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, a historically significant site, demonstrate the continued challenges faced by religious institutions. The fact that local elections were held in 2024 does not fundamentally alter the reality that the lieutenant governor, appointed by the central government, retains ultimate authority over key areas such as police, public order, and administrative appointments. This persistent centralization of power and the associated restrictions contribute to the ongoing tensions and anxieties within the Kashmiri population, highlighting the complex and contested nature of governance in the region.