Uttarakhand Begins Crackdown Against 'Illegal' Madrasas, 52 Seminaries Sealed In 2 Weeks

While 12 illegal madrasas have been sealed in Vikasnagar in Dehradun district, 9 others have been sealed in Khatima. Earlier, action was taken against 31 madrasas in various districts.

The Uttarakhand authorities have identified over 200 madrassas in the state.

The BJP-led government in Uttarakhand has sealed 52 illegally run madrasas in the state in a span of two weeks. 

The development comes amid a crackdown by the Pushkar Singh Dhami government in the state, which has taken a tough stand against the illegal madrasas being run. 

While 12 illegal madrasas have been sealed in Vikasnagar in Dehradun district, 9 others have been sealed in Khatima. Earlier, action was taken against 31 madrasas in various districts, according to news agency ANI.

The state government said that a network of illegal madrasas was being spead in Pachhadun and other areas of Uttarakhand. However, CM Dhami has given a clear message that tampering with the basic form of the state will not be tolerated at any cost. 

Last week, 14 unregistered madrassas in Dehradun district were sealed by the Uttarakhand madrasa board, leaving at least 150 students without a place to study.

In February, the Uttarakhand authorities had identified over 200 madrassas operating without registration, with Udham Singh Nagar recording the highest number at 129, followed by 57 in Dehradun and 26 in Nainital.

Several Muslim organisations have opposed the move, alleging that the community is being targeted and claiming that the closures happened without due process.

Meanwhile, several right-wing groups have also stepped up demands for action against mosques and the use of loudspeakers in religious places.