Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh : As part of an intensified campaign against unauthorized religious institutions near the Indo-Nepal border, the Uttar Pradesh government sealed four unrecognized madrasas in Shravasti district on Wednesday, according to an official statement, reported the Varta Bharati.
The drive, aimed at clearing illegal structures, also targeted numerous temporary and permanent encroachments within a 15-kilometre radius of the Nepal border. So far, 36 illegal madrasas have been sealed and 131 unauthorized encroachments demolished in the region.
A mosque in Bhartha village under Roshangarh, Bhinga tehsil of Bahraich, was also razed for allegedly being built on government land. In Pilibhit district, a similar operation within 10 km of the border confirmed multiple land encroachments, although no suspicious items were found.
In Maharajganj, action was taken against 13 illegal madrasas and mosques in Nautanwa tehsil, along with demolition of six encroachments in Nichlaul and 14 in Farenda tehsil.
Authorities in Lakhimpur Kheri demolished an unauthorized mosque in Krishnanagar and an Idgah in Chandan Chowki. In Balrampur, one illegally occupied madrasa was vacated, notices were issued to five more, and encroachments on two tombs were cleared.
Overall, 13 illegal encroachments were identified in Balrampur, with action taken against three. An additional case concerning an unauthorized Idgah is under review.
Investigations have so far revealed 20 madrasas not meeting required standards, leading to their closure. Two others were issued notices for non-compliance with documentation requirements.
In Bahraich, five encroachments were removed on Wednesday in Nanpara and Mihipurwa tehsils, bringing the total number of sealed madrasas in the district to six.
In Siddharthnagar, authorities addressed one more encroachment on Wednesday. In total, 17 such actions have been taken in the district, including against three mosques and four madrasas.
Officials say the drive will continue in border areas to monitor illegal religious activities and encroachments.
