Muslim religious leaders have called on the state government to conduct a fair, transparent, and evidence-based assessment of the closures.
In recent days, authorities in Uttarakhand have sealed at least 170 madrasas, citing their failure to register with either the Madrasa Board or the state education department.
On Sunday, April 13, a special inspection was carried out in Haldwani’s Muslim-majority Banbhulpura area by a joint team of officials from the district administration, municipal corporation, and local police. During the operation, seven madrasas were shut down for reportedly functioning without proper registration.
A press release from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s office stated that the action followed thorough surveys conducted by specially appointed government teams.
Defending the decision, Chief Minister Dhami called the sealing of these institutions “a historic step” and emphasized that establishments accused of promoting radicalism under the guise of education would not be allowed to operate under any circumstances.
Officials have indicated that this may be only the initial phase, as nearly 500 madrasas remain under review and could potentially face shutdown. Notably, many of the institutions already sealed had been functioning for decades, sparking concern among impacted communities.
In reaction, civil rights advocates and Muslim religious leaders have called on the state government to conduct a fair, transparent, and evidence-based assessment of the closures. They warn that broad actions carried out without clarity could deepen mistrust and further alienate marginalized communities who already feel under scrutiny.
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