“Save our future”: Students rally in Shopian against closure of Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom
Seek reopening of institution, demand restoration of educational rights
Srinagar: Hundreds of students, parents and teachers staged a peaceful protest in Shopian district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) against the closure of Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom by Indian authorities under the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), demanding the reopening of the institution and voicing deep concern over the academic future of the students.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the protesters marched from the institute to the office of the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate in Shopian, carrying placards bearing slogans such as “Save Our Future” and “Open Our School”.
Students from various districts enrolled in the institution also held a sit-in outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office, raising slogans including “Education is Our Fundamental Right” during the peaceful demonstration.
The protesting students said the closure of the institution had severely disrupted their studies and created uncertainty among hundreds of families, particularly at a crucial time when board examinations are approaching.
“We want to continue our studies. This is a crucial time for us as board examinations are approaching,” said a student, Ifnan Ahmad, during the protest.
“We are demanding the reopening of our school. We believe in peace and want our education to continue,” said another Class 11 student participating in the demonstration.
Parents also appealed to the IIOJK administration to reconsider its decision and allow the institution to resume functioning. Zahid Ahmad, one of the protesting parents, said the future of hundreds of students was at stake. “We request the administration to safeguard the future of these students,” he said.
Later, a delegation of parents met the Deputy Commissioner and urged the administration to intervene for the reopening of the institution.
Notably, Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom was declared an unlawful entity on April 24 under the UAPA over its alleged affiliation with Jamaat-e-Islami, which was banned by the BJP-led Indian government in 2019. Following the notification, the district administration barred students and staff from entering the institution premises.
