NIA Raids Banned Darul Uloom in Shopian, Searches Former JeI Chief’s Home

The National Investigation Agency on Monday conducted simultaneous raids at two locations in Shopian district, including Darul Uloom Sirajul , an institution recently declared an illegal entity by the government.

Officials said NIA teams searched the seminary in the Imam Sahib area during the early hours. The institute provides both religious and formal education to hundreds of students. Investigators reportedly examined documents, electronic devices and institutional records during the operation.

Another NIA team raided the residence of Shahzada Aurangzeb in Molu Chitragam area of Shopian. The searches are believed to be linked to ongoing investigations into alleged extremist networks and separatist activities in the Valley.

Shahzada Aurangzeb is a former leader of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir, which was outlawed by the Centre in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act over allegations of supporting separatist activities. The organisation has long had a presence in Kashmir through religious and educational outreach programmes.

The latest operation comes amid intensified crackdowns by central agencies on suspected terror funding, radicalisation and overground support networks in Jammu and Kashmir. No arrests were officially confirmed till the filing of this report, and further details are awaited.