Modi’s policies are suffocating Kashmir: Muslim seminary shut down PHOTO

A major Muslim seminary in Indian-administered Kashmir has been declared illegal under anti-terrorism legislation, triggering strong criticism from religious and political figures in the region.

District commissioner Anshul Garg issued the order based on a police dossier alleging “covert links” between the seminary and the banned group Jamaat-e-Islami, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

The institution, Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom, is one of the largest seminaries in southern Kashmir and is affiliated with the Jammu and Kashmir State Board of School Education.

Authorities claimed that members of the seminary’s management and teaching staff had links to Jamaat-e-Islami.

However, its director, Mohammad Shafi Lone, rejected the allegations.

Muslim leaders in Kashmir condemned the decision, calling it part of what they described as a broader pattern of excessive authority by New Delhi.

Lawmaker Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi said the pattern is unmistakable.

“Trusts, mosques, libraries and now seminaries serving underprivileged children, every social and nongovernmental institution that holds Kashmiri society together is being strangled,” he added.

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti called the move “flagrant injustice to the poor underprivileged sections of society.”

Kashmir’s chief Muslim cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also pointed to recent measures, including property confiscations and detentions under the Public Safety Act.

“Can the … administration tell people of Kashmir clearly how long they will continue this policy of harassment and disempowerment? And can the elected [government] tell us how long they will let this happen?” he asked.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov