Investigations of more than 4,000 non-aided madarasas in Uttar Pradesh

Orders Issued to Anti-Terrorist Squad

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) – The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has begun investigations into the funds with more than 4,000 non-aided madarasas operating in the State. A senior official provided this information, following the Government orders to investigate unregistered madarassas across the State. Consequently, 4,191 madarasas have come under scrutiny by the squad, including about 700 in the Gonda and Bahraich districts. Separate teams have been set up for these investigations.

495 Madarasas in Bahraich

According to Sanjay Mishra, the Minority Welfare Officer of Bahraich District, there are 495 madarasas in Bahraich alone, with at least 100 operating in the villages along the Indo-Nepal border.

Where Does the Funding for Madarasas Come From ?

In Bahraich, out of 792 madrassas, 495 were found to be unregistered. The source of funding for these madarasas is under investigation. ATS is specifically investigating whether these madarasas receive funds from illegal sources, particularly those operating near border areas.

Government Focuses on Madarasas

ATS will investigate why madrasas, often running under the name ‘maktab,’ have not yet been registered. It will check since  when these madrasas began operating in each district and from where their funding comes. A report of the findings will be submitted to the Director General. Minority welfare officers have been instructed to coordinate with the teams and act in line with the instructions of the Director General of Police. The District Minority Welfare Officer confirmed receiving a directive from the Government regarding this matter and mentioned about the discussions he had with district officials to determine further course of action.

Editorial Perspectives

• Has anyone heard of an Anti-Terrorist Squad being ordered to investigate any Hindu Gurukul or Vedic school ? Yet madarasas run by Muslims are regularly investigated, implying that terrorism has a specific religious association.

• Whether they are funded or non-funded, madarasas often follow a uniform curriculum with evident global consequences. Hence, a decision to close madarasas not just in India but on a global level, not just in India, is deemed necessary.