Tensions rise as authorities seal religious institutions during Ramadan
Team Clarion
DEHRADUN – Members of several Muslim organisations staged a protest on Wednesday against the closure of madrasas and mosques in Dehradun in Uttarakhand following actions taken by the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA).
The demonstrators gathered outside the district magistrate’s office, expressing their discontent over what they called an unjustified move by the administration. As tensions escalated, police intervened and detained several protestors.
Muslim leaders criticised the timing of the action, arguing that it was carried out deliberately during the holy month of Ramadan. “This is a clear case of discrimination,” said Naeem Qureshi, president of a Muslim organisation. “The administration has neither provided any notice nor explained under what law these madrasas and mosques were sealed.”
Protestors warned that if the administration did not reconsider its decision, their agitation would intensify. “The arbitrary manner in which this has been done is unacceptable. We demand an immediate explanation and the reopening of our religious institutions,” Qureshi added.
Authorities, however, defended their actions, citing legal violations. SP City Pramod Kumar stated, “The protestors refused to leave the premises of the district magistrate’s office, leading to police intervention. They were taken into custody as a preventive measure and later released.”
In the past three days, MDDA and district authorities sealed four madrasas and one mosque, labelling them as illegal constructions. The move has sparked outrage within the Muslim community, which sees it as an infringement on their religious rights. The administration has assured that discussions are underway to resolve the matter.
