Kashmir seminary declared unlawful under anti-terror law, sparks outcry

An important Islamic seminary in Kashmir has been declared unlawful under anti-terror laws, prompting backlash from prominent religious and political leaders in the Indian-administered territory. Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg issued the order based on a police dossier that alleged “sustained and covert links” between the seminary and the banned political party Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), local media reported. Recommended Stories list of 4 items end of list The seminary, Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom, is one of the largest in southern Kashmir and is recognised by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education. The dossier stated that members of Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom’s management and faculty were linked to JeI. It also cited other allegations related to land use and financial transparency. The move was handed down under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) , a much-criticised law that allows authorities to designate someone a “terrorist” without evidence. Seminary chairman Mohammad Shafi Lone has reportedly rejected the allegations. “We are a law-abiding institute and have nothing to do with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami,” the Hindustan Times reported him as saying. “This order has created panic among parents and students enrolled here.” Leaders in Muslim-majority Kashmir criticised the move as part of an ongoing campaign of overreach by New Delhi. …