Wed Nov 19 17:12:32 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has requested detailed information on madrassas (Islamic religious schools) in the Prayagraj region. The request, directed to District Minority Welfare Officers, seeks data on students, teachers, management, and staff. This move follows a bomb attack in Delhi and has drawn criticism from opposition parties who accuse the ATS of politicizing security and unfairly targeting Muslims. Opposition leaders have emphasized the need for security but cautioned against fear-mongering and using security agencies as political tools. They call for transparency and accountability regarding the ATS’s past successes in terrorism-related cases.

News Article:

Uttar Pradesh ATS Investigates Madrassas, Sparking Controversy

LUCKNOW, November 19, 2025 – The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) is under scrutiny after requesting comprehensive information on madrassas (Islamic religious schools) in the Prayagraj region. A letter, dated November 15th and addressed to District Minority Welfare Officers in multiple districts including Prayagraj, Pratapgarh, Kaushambi, and others, seeks detailed lists of students, teachers (clerics), management, and all other staff associated with these institutions.

The move, reportedly triggered by a recent bomb attack in Delhi, is aimed at expanding security checks. However, it has been met with strong opposition from political parties who claim the investigation is politically motivated and unfairly targets the Muslim community.

“An attempt is being made to politicize the security apparatus, and see every Muslim through the prism of suspicion,” said Shahnawaz Alam, National Secretary for the Congress party. He further questioned the ATS’s track record, calling for a “white paper” on the outcomes of past terrorism-related cases handled by the agency.

Ameeque Jamei, spokesperson for the Samajwadi Party (SP), echoed these concerns, stating, “This unnecessary move to deploy the most elite force, the ATS, to investigate madrassas, their students and teaching staff will create chaos; no agency should become a political tool.”

While acknowledging the importance of national security, critics are urging the government to avoid actions that might promote fear-mongering and instead focus on a more balanced and transparent approach to counter-terrorism efforts. The ATS has not yet released a statement addressing the criticisms.

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