Srinagar, April 27, KNT: Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari on Monday urged the government to reconsider its decision declaring Darul Uloom Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom in Shopian unlawful, citing concerns over the impact on students.
Bukhari said thousands of students depend on the institution for their education and future, and should not suffer due to decisions beyond their control. He placed the number of affected students at around 10,000.
He said that instead of outright closure, a constructive approach such as setting up a proper management mechanism could ensure continuity of education without disruption.
Bukhari also said that banning educational institutions could deepen alienation and grievances, calling for measures aimed at bridging trust deficits and ensuring stability.
Referring to concerns over alleged links, he said the institution does not have a record of producing individuals involved in violence, adding that isolated cases, if any, should not define an entire institution.
He also cited the example of individuals previously associated with Jamaat-e-Islami who later formed a political party, stating that such developments raise questions about penalising students.
The remarks come amid ongoing political reactions to the administration’s decision to ban the Shopian-based institution under UAPA, with calls emerging from multiple quarters for a review of the move. KNT]
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