Thu Mar 13 11:27:56 UTC 2025: ## Uttarakhand Government Seals 52 Madrasas, Sparking Controversy
**Dehradun, Uttarakhand –** The Uttarakhand government has sparked outrage after sealing 52 Madrasas (Islamic religious schools) across the state within the past two weeks. The move, described by Muslim organizations as a blatant misuse of power, has ignited controversy and accusations of targeting religious minorities.
According to state officials, 42 Madrasas were sealed in Dehradun alone, with another 10 shut down in Khatima, Udham Singh Nagar. The government claims the closures stem from an ongoing crackdown on illegal and unauthorized construction, citing unregistered institutions as justification. This drive, initiated in January by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, follows a similar campaign last year that resulted in the demolition of over 450 Mazars and 50 temples deemed to be illegally encroaching on forest land.
Chief Minister Dhami maintains the government is acting against all illegal constructions, asserting, “We will not touch those who are right but will not leave the wrong doers.” He has also ordered an investigation into the funding sources of the affected Madrasas.
Naeem Qureshi, president of the Muslim Sewa Sangathan, vehemently criticized the crackdown, claiming it is a diversionary tactic to deflect attention from pressing issues such as rampant corruption, unemployment, and environmental problems. He further alleged that the government failed to provide any prior notice to the Madrasas, many of which enroll over 2000 students, and offered no alternative educational provisions for the displaced students. He argued that Madrasas do not require affiliation or recognition.
The controversy surrounding the closures highlights ongoing tensions between the state government and minority communities in Uttarakhand. The opposition claims the actions represent a targeted attack on religious minorities, while the government insists it is simply enforcing building regulations.
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