What's happened
Kashmir's Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom has been declared unlawful under UAPA based on allegations of links to Jamaat-e-Islami. The seminary, with over 800 students, denies the charges. Critics say the move is part of a broader campaign of overreach by New Delhi, impacting civic institutions in Kashmir.
What's behind the headline?
The designation of Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom as unlawful under UAPA reflects the Indian government's ongoing efforts to tighten control over Kashmir's social and religious institutions. This move is likely to escalate tensions, as critics argue it undermines local autonomy and targets community organizations that serve underprivileged populations. The use of UAPA, a law criticized for its broad and often arbitrary application, indicates a focus on suppressing perceived threats rather than addressing specific security concerns. This will probably deepen mistrust between Kashmiri residents and the federal government, fueling further protests and unrest. The broader pattern of targeting mosques, libraries, and social trusts suggests that the government is consolidating power at the expense of civic freedoms, which could lead to increased instability in the region.
How we got here
The Indian government has been increasing its control over Kashmir since 2019, when it revoked Article 370 and divided the region into two federally-controlled territories. Authorities have targeted religious and social institutions, citing security concerns, amid ongoing tensions with local leaders and residents who oppose the move. The seminary's designation follows allegations of covert links to Jamaat-e-Islami, a banned political party, which the institution denies. Critics argue that these actions are part of a pattern of suppressing Kashmiri civic life and dissent.
Our analysis
Al Jazeera reports that the Kashmir authorities have accused Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom of having links to Jamaat-e-Islami, citing land use and financial transparency issues, while the seminary denies these allegations. Leaders like Jammu and Kashmir parliament member Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti have criticized the move as unjust and prejudiced, arguing it harms the underprivileged. France 24 highlights the ongoing low relations between India and Pakistan, with Islamabad mediating in regional conflicts, including tensions over Kashmir. The New York Times describes recent violence in Kashmir, including a deadly attack on tourists, which has contributed to heightened military tensions. The Japan Times notes that the 2025 attack in Pahalgam has led to a four-day escalation between India and Pakistan, with over 70 casualties, emphasizing the ongoing volatility in the region.
More on these topics
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India - Country in South Asia
India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the second-most populous country, the seventh-largest country by land area, and the most populous democracy in the world.
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Kashmir - Region in India
Kashmir is the northernmost geographical region of the Indian subcontinent. Until the mid-19th century, the term "Kashmir" denoted only the Kashmir Valley between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal Range.
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Pakistan - Country in South Asia
Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the world's fifth-most populous country with a population exceeding 212.2 million. It is the 33rd-largest country by area, spanning 881,913 square kilometres.