Mon Apr 07 04:21:13 UTC 2025: ## Uttarakhand’s Madrasa Crackdown Leaves Hundreds of Students Without Education

**Dehradun, Uttarakhand – April 7, 2025** – Over 136 Islamic schools (Madrasas) in Uttarakhand have been shut down by the state government, leaving hundreds of students without education and sparking outrage among parents and religious leaders. The BJP-led government claims the Madrasas were operating illegally and failed to meet educational standards. However, critics allege the crackdown is politically motivated and targets the Muslim community.

Fifteen-year-old Mohammed Aashyan, who dreamed of reading the Quran, is among the affected students. His father, Nafees Ahmed, explains that the Madrasa provided not only religious education but also meals and essential supplies, a crucial lifeline for his impoverished family. The closure forces him to take his children to his strenuous work at a brick kiln.

The controversy highlights a broader issue within the state’s education system. A recent report by the Uttarakhand Commission for Rural Development and Migration Prevention revealed that 1,149 primary schools lack teachers, and nearly half have no principal. This leaves many questioning the government’s commitment to education across all sectors.

Madrasa officials argue they applied for registration but faced bureaucratic hurdles. Maulana Haroon, head of the Madarsaa Irshad-ul-uloom, claims the registration board held only one meeting in six years. Others, like Abdul Rehman from Madrasa Jamiul Uloom, state they were penalized for building renovations without prior approval, despite the Madrasa’s long-standing presence. Even small Makhtabs (evening Islamic tuition classes) have been sealed, affecting students like 13-year-old Mohammed Azim.

Khursheed Ahmed Siddique, secretary of Jamiat Ulema Hindu (Uttarakhand), argues the crackdown is part of a larger pattern of targeting the Muslim community, citing previous actions against religious sites and the proposed Uniform Civil Code. He claims the government’s focus is not on providing quality education but on restricting religious practice.

The Uttarakhand child rights panel has urged the government to enroll affected students in other schools. While the government claims it is compiling a list of students, the future for many remains uncertain. The Madrasa Education Board chair, Mufti Shamoon Qasmi, acknowledges slow registration processes but insists on addressing concerns about Makhtabs through proper channels. The situation has escalated to the Supreme Court, where a case has been filed to address the concerns raised by this sudden educational disruption.

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