Uttarakhand Government Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Madrasas
Uttarakhand Government Cracks Down on Illegal Madrasas, Sparks Controversy
Dehradun, March 11, 2025 — In a major move to curb the growth of illegal religious institutions, the Uttarakhand government has sealed 52 madrasas across the state over the past 15 days. The decision, which aims to tackle what the government deems as unregistered religious institutions and encroachments, has ignited a fierce political and social debate. The Muslim community in the region has strongly condemned the crackdown, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of religious rights.
Government’s Stand on Illegal Madrasas
The crackdown began after the Uttarakhand government, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, announced its commitment to take action against illegal madrasas operating without proper registration. The state government has maintained that its actions are based on a thorough investigation and have been undertaken to enforce law and order in the state.
In a statement, CM Dhami emphasized that the government is focused on identifying and sealing madrasas that are operating illegally and that this process would continue in the coming months. “Our government had vowed to investigate and take action against illegal madrasas and encroachments. After a thorough investigation, we are acting against those found to be illegal, and this process will continue,” Dhami said in a press conference.
The government has clarified that the sealed madrasas were not registered with the Uttarakhand Madrasa Board, and in some cases, the building plans of these institutions were not approved by the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA). This lack of official documentation and approval forms the basis of the state’s justification for the crackdown.
Strong Opposition from the Muslim Community
The government’s actions have sparked strong protests, especially from Muslim groups in Uttarakhand. At a press conference held at Jama Masjid in Dehradun, Naim Qureshi, the State President of Uttarakhand Muslim Seva Sangathan, along with Mufti Rais Ahmed Qasmi, the President of the Imam Organisation, criticized the sealing of the madrasas and mosques as an “unconstitutional” move. They expressed their concern that the crackdown unfairly targeted the Muslim community and infringed upon their right to practice religion.
Qureshi and Qasmi emphasized that the madrasas were vital institutions for imparting education to the children of the Muslim community, particularly in rural areas where access to formal education is limited. They argued that such actions could cause long-lasting harm to the education system and may fuel religious tensions in the region.
BSP leader Mayawati, too, criticized the Uttarakhand government over the issue, condemning the move as “prejudiced” and “non-secular.” In a statement, Mayawati urged the state to reverse the sealing orders, highlighting that the decision was likely to inflame religious sentiments and divide communities. She stressed that any actions perceived as targeting a specific community’s religious establishments must be reconsidered to maintain peace and harmony.
Legal and Administrative Justifications
On the other hand, Uttarakhand officials defended their actions, arguing that the government was simply enforcing building laws and regulating unregistered institutions. According to authorities, all madrasas that were sealed did not comply with state regulations for educational institutions, particularly the absence of registration with the Madrasa Board. Additionally, many of the madrasas were found to be in buildings without proper sanction or approval from the local development authority.
Officials from the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) stated that they had issued notices to these institutions for violating building norms but had received no response or corrective measures. As a result, sealing the madrasas was deemed necessary to ensure that building codes and regulations were strictly adhered to.
The Road Ahead: Political and Social Ramifications
The crackdown on illegal madrasas has highlighted growing tensions between the ruling government and religious groups in Uttarakhand. While the BJP government justifies its actions as necessary to ensure transparency and uphold the rule of law, the Muslim community perceives this as an attack on their rights and religious practices.
This incident has stirred a larger conversation on the issue of religious freedoms and minority rights in India, particularly in states with significant religious diversity. As political leaders from various parties weigh in on the matter, it remains to be seen how the Uttarakhand government will navigate these challenges, particularly as the state prepares for upcoming elections.
Potential Solutions and Future Outlook
Moving forward, it will be crucial for the Uttarakhand government to engage in dialogue with the Muslim community to address their concerns and find a resolution that respects both legal obligations and religious freedoms. There may also be a need for greater transparency in the regulatory processes related to madrasa registrations and approvals to ensure that all institutions, whether religious or educational, comply with the state’s legal framework without compromising on community rights.
Additionally, religious leaders and educational administrators might seek a clearer understanding of the state’s regulatory requirements and work together to bring all madrasas into compliance, avoiding future conflicts.