By Team Clarion

NEW DELHI — The Shravasti district administration in Uttar Pradesh, under the Yogi Adityanath-led government, intensified its bulldozer action against mosques, madrasas, and tombs located in the border districts adjoining Nepal. This comes as part of a continuing drive targeting what the administration calls “illegal encroachments.”

On Tuesday (May 6), the Shravasti administration escalated its operation by demolishing two madrasas — Islamia Arabia Taleemul Qur’an in the village of Kunda and Darul Uloom Ahle Sunnat Gaus Azam in Banthihawa. Both madrasas were allegedly operating on government land without proper recognition. The demolitions took place amid heavy police presence, including senior officials overseeing the action.

“Action against illegal constructions on government land is a necessity for maintaining order and discipline in the region,” said a senior district official, emphasising that the move was aligned with the government’s broader strategy to eliminate encroachments.

The demolition sparked strong anger and protests within the Muslim community. Locals expressed outrage at what they perceived as an attack on their religious institutions, with many maintaining that the actions were politically motivated and disproportionately targeted Muslims. “This is not just an attack on madrasas; it’s an assault on our identity, our faith, and our community,” said an enraged local Muslim leader. Protests erupted in various parts of the district, with individuals voicing their frustration at the government’s actions.

Alongside the bulldozer action, the district administration also took stringent steps against “unrecognised” madrasas. A total of 18 madrasas across Shravasti district were sealed, as they had allegedly failed to comply with government regulations and lacked proper documentation for operation.

Local authorities have stated that these madrasas were found to be functioning without the necessary approval from the education and religious boards. “The sealing of these madrasas is part of an ongoing effort to ensure that only legally recognised institutions are allowed to function in the district,” said an administrative spokesperson.

However, these actions were met with deep resentment from the Muslim community. Many viewed the sealing of madrasas as another instance of religious discrimination, citing that non-Muslim institutions have not faced similar scrutiny. “The government is using bulldozers to intimidate us and shut down our educational institutions,” claimed a community member. The sealing of 18 madrasas without proper notice has added fuel to the fire, with accusations of unfair treatment and bias against Muslims in the region.

This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.