BJP hails Govt take over of banned Jamaat linked 215 schools in Kashmir

BJP J&K spokesman Altaf Thakur has welcomed the government’s decision to assume control of 215 schools that were run by the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT). He described the step as a “much-needed intervention” to ensure that young minds are shielded from separatist narratives.

Thakur, however, raised questions over what he termed the Education Minister Sakina Itoo’s “hesitation” in executing the decision. “Why is the Education Minister dragging her feet in taking over these schools? Is it because she does not want to annoy Jamaat-e-Islami, or is there some other reason?” he asked.

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The BJP leader stressed that the takeover was in the national interest, as it would ensure a positive and secure learning environment for thousands of students. “With the government stepping in, 51,000 children will no longer fall prey to separatist ideology. Instead, they will now have opportunities to excel in academics, sports, technology and other fields, and contribute to the progress of the nation,” he said.

Thakur added that education should remain free from any political or ideological influence, and urged the government to move forward without delay in implementing the order across Jammu and Kashmir.

Vice President J&K BJP, Priya Sethi, who was education minister in the PDP-BJP coalition government, said Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), Jammu and Kashmir, along with its affiliate Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT), stands fully exposed for using the sacred platform of education to spread radicalization instead of knowledge.

“For years, these organizations misled young children and attempted to poison their minds with separatist ideology under the cover of schooling,” Sethi said in a statement on Saturday.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs had rightly declared Jamaat-e-Islami as an unlawful association because of its anti-national agenda, and the recent takeover of 215 of its affiliated schools is a strong step to put an end to this dangerous misuse of education,” she said.

She said this move is yet another step under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to safeguard the future of the youth and ensure that education in the Union Territory remains free from radical influence.

Priya Sethi said that institutions linked to JeI and FAT were never about genuine education or empowerment.

They were hubs of indoctrination, trying to create generations detached from the mainstream of progress.

By seizing control of these schools, the government has broken this vicious cycle and secured the academic future of thousands of innocent students, she said.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a clear message that education will not be allowed to become a tool of separatism. Under his leadership, Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a transformation where schools will now serve their real purpose – nurturing talent, unity, and nation-building,” Sethi stated.