Students of sealed seminary-cum-school hit streets, demand re-opening in Kashmir’s Shopian

Students and parents of the Siraj-ul-Uloom, which the administration closed under the provisions of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) last month, on Thursday (May 7, 2026) took to the streets and demanded its immediate reopening in south Kashmir’s Shopian.Hundreds of students, accompanied by parents, hit the streets in south Kashmir and marched towards the office of the Deputy Commissioner. “Most students are from poor families. What is the sin of the students? How can the administration mar their future?” said a parent.Shopian legislator Shabir Kullay also joined the protesters and demanded steps to ensure the students’ career is not affected. Over 800 students are enrolled at the seminary-cum-school.“Illegal activities should not be tolerated. However, the future of innocent students should not suffer. The closure of the institute is unfortunate,” said Mr. Kullay.He said the government should intervene to “ensure there was no academic loss for the students”.Officials said the district administration was mulling to have the students admitted to nearby schools.On April 28, the seminary-cum-school was sealed under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Officials said the move was made after an official order was issued by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Anshul Garg, in exercise of powers under Section 8(1), which cited alleged links with a banned organisation Jamaat-e-Islami, financial irregularities, and concerns over misuse of the institution’s premises.The multi-storey buildings of the seminary, considered one of the largest in south Kashmir, also have 102 staff members. The move was criticised by regional political parties, including Peoples Democratic Party’s Mehbooba Mufti, J&K Apni Party’s Altaf Bukhari, J&K Peoples Conference’s Sajad Lone and Kashmir chief cleric Sajad Lone. Published - May 07, 2026 05:42 pm IST