Mirwaiz Raises Alarm Over Closure of Shopian Seminary Under UAPA

Kashmir's chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq voiced concern on Friday (May 8, 2026) over the closure of Jamia Siraj Ul Uloom, a school-cum-seminary in Shopian, under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), stating the action has disrupted the education of hundreds of students and sparked fears of religious targeting. He delivered the remarks during his weekly sermon in Srinagar, calling the ban a serious issue affecting public trust.

Mirwaiz said the shutdown had triggered protests by students and parents, reflecting deep distress over lost educational opportunities and the broader implications for religious institutions in the region. He warned that continued restrictive policies could deepen resentment unless the government reviews its stance and allows the institution to reopen.

Separately, he welcomed ongoing government efforts to dismantle drug networks in Jammu and Kashmir but stressed that policing alone cannot resolve a crisis rooted in political instability, economic hardship, and psychological trauma among youth. He urged a holistic approach combining enforcement with mental health support and economic rehabilitation.

Mirwaiz called on authorities to reconsider the closure of the seminary to rebuild public confidence, emphasizing that sustainable security requires community trust. The administration has not yet issued a formal response to his statements.