Controversial Ban Ignites Debate in Kashmir

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti strongly criticized the Jammu and Kashmir government for declaring Dar Ul Uloom Jamia Siraj Ul Uloom as an unlawful entity under the UAPA. She called the decision a 'flagrant injustice' targeting underprivileged communities, as the institution provided education to those unable to afford pricey schools.

Mufti accused the government of acting on prejudice and ill intentions, banning an institution without concrete evidence of anti-national activity. The former chief minister noted that the school had produced credible professionals contributing significantly to the nation.

The divisional commissioner of Kashmir, Anshul Garg, issued an order citing 'credible inputs and evidence' linking the institution to the banned Jamaat-e-Islami organization. The directive was based on findings by the Senior Superintendent of Police in Shopian, indicating sustained linkages warranting concern.

(With inputs from agencies.)