Dehradun: The Uttarakhand government, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has sealed 84 madrasas across the state, citing alleged illegal operations. The move has triggered strong reactions from the Muslim community, with many accusing the administration of systemic discrimination against Islamic education under the BJP-led government, reported the Hindu.
According to official reports, the sealed madrasas are concentrated in Muslim-majority areas, with 43 in Dehradun, 31 in Haridwar and Nainital, and 9 in Udham Singh Nagar. The government insists that these institutions lacked proper registration and violated regulatory norms. However, madrasa operators and community leaders argue that the action is politically motivated and aimed at undermining Muslim educational institutions.
“The government is selectively targeting our religious institutions while turning a blind eye to other unregistered schools,” said a madrasa administrator from Haridwar. The crackdown has also raised concerns about the future of thousands of students enrolled in these madrasas, many of whom come from underprivileged backgrounds.
In response to the backlash, Shamoon Kashmir, head of the Uttarakhand Madrasa Board, has urged madrasa operators to apply for formal recognition, assuring that those with valid documents will not be affected. However, many madrasa leaders remain skeptical, viewing the requirement as an administrative ploy to shut down Islamic institutions.
The controversy has led to protests from Muslim scholars, activists, and political leaders, who accuse the government of violating constitutional rights. Legal experts predict that the issue may escalate into a judicial battle, with madrasa operators preparing to challenge the decision in court.
As tensions rise, the crackdown has fueled concerns about growing communal polarization in the state. Many fear that the action could set a precedent for similar measures in other BJP-ruled states, further marginalizing the Muslim community.
