Mirwaiz Criticizes UAPA Ban on Kashmir Seminary, Warns of Alienation

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief cleric of Kashmir, expressed deep concern over the closure of the Jamia Siraj Ul Uloom school-cum-seminary in Shopian under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). In his Friday sermon, he stated that the ban has jeopardized the futures of hundreds of students and fueled apprehensions among the local population that their religious identity is being targeted. The Mirwaiz highlighted recent protests by students and parents as evidence of the urgent distress caused by this decision. He warned that continued implementation of such policies without reconsideration could consolidate resentment against the state, urging authorities to reopen the institution to earn public trust rather than alienate citizens. Additionally, while welcoming government initiatives against drug peddling, he argued that policing alone cannot resolve the substance abuse crisis. He attributed the rise in addiction to psychological distress, anxiety, and hopelessness stemming from prolonged political uncertainty and limited economic opportunities, calling for a holistic approach beyond law enforcement to heal society.