Demolition, sealing of Madrasas injustice to minorities: All India Muslim Jamaat chief

IANS April 14, 2025 157 views

The Waqf Amendment Act has triggered significant controversy across India, with Muslim organizations strongly opposing its implementation. Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi has vocally condemned the demolition of madrasas in BJP-ruled states as a violation of constitutional rights. Tensions have escalated, leading to violent protests in regions like Murshidabad, where three people lost their lives. The ongoing dispute highlights the deepening social and political divisions surrounding religious education and minority rights.

"When the Constitution allows it, the government has no authority to bulldoze or seal madrasas" - Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi
Bareilly, April 14: Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, National President of the All India Muslim Jamaat (AIMJ) on Monday strongly condemned the recent demolition and sealing of madrasas in Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand under the newly-implemented Waqf (Amendment) Act.

Key Points

1

Waqf Amendment Act sparks nationwide tension and protests

2

Madrasas demolished in Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand

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Constitutional rights of minorities under scrutiny

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Violent protests erupted in Murshidabad district

He termed the actions as a violation of justice and an attack on the rights of minority communities.

Reacting to the developments, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi said, “In Panna district of Madhya Pradesh, a 30-year-old madrasa was razed to the ground by bulldozers. Similarly, the Uttarakhand government has sealed and closed down several madrasas in Haldwani.”

He criticised the governments of both the BJP-ruled states, urging them to respect the constitutional rights of religious and educational institutions.

“The Constitution provides freedom to all citizens to run and manage educational institutions. When the Constitution allows it, the government has no authority to bulldoze or seal madrasas. This is outright injustice and harms the interests of minorities. Such actions break the trust of communities and exert undue pressure on them,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 officially came into force on April 8, after receiving President Murmu's assent on April 5.

The law, passed in Parliament following heated debate, has been defended by the BJP-led NDA alliance at the Centre as a move to increase transparency and empower marginalised sections of the Muslim community, particularly women.

However, the Act has drawn sharp criticism from several Muslim organisations, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), and Opposition parties.

Many have challenged it in the Supreme Court, calling it discriminatory and unconstitutional.

Meanwhile, tensions have escalated in other parts of the country.

In West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, violent protests erupted a day earlier in opposition to the Waqf Act, leading to the deaths of three individuals and the arrest of over 200 people.

In response, the Calcutta High Court has ordered the immediate deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to restore peace in the area.

The demolition of madrasas and the unrest in Murshidabad underscore the deepening divide over the Waqf Act.

Reader Comments

A
Aisha K.
This is heartbreaking 💔 Madrasas have been centers of learning for generations. Why target educational institutions? The government should focus on uplifting all communities, not dividing them.
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Rajesh P.
While I support transparency in religious institutions, bulldozing buildings without proper process seems extreme. There must be a better way to implement reforms.
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Sameer H.
The violence in Murshidabad is unacceptable from all sides. Both protestors and authorities need to show restraint. Education should never be politicized like this.
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Priya M.
As a teacher, I'm concerned about the students displaced by these actions. Where will these children continue their education? The human cost isn't being considered enough in this debate.
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Imran T.
The Waqf Act might have good intentions, but the implementation is causing unnecessary harm. My cousin studied at one of these madrasas - it provided quality education to poor students for free. Now what?
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Neha S.
While I understand concerns about minority rights, shouldn't all educational institutions follow the same regulations? Maybe the solution is standardizing rules for everyone rather than special treatment.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
Madrasa Demolition Waqf Amendment Act Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Minority Rights BJP Governance Religious Institutions
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