Critics claim that the demolitions disproportionately affect religious minorities as Uttarakhand’s Dhami government continues its bulldozer action
NEW DELHI – The Pushkar Singh Dhami government of Uttarakhand has escalated its actions against what it calls illegal religious structures in the state, with bulldozer action on a madrasa in the Udham Singh Nagar district on Saturday (May 3). The madrasa, which had been operating for 17 years, was razed to the ground due to claims that it was constructed on government land.
Located in Kuraiya village of Udham Singh Nagar, the madrasa was home to hundreds of students. The local administration investigated on March 20 and discovered that the madrasa was built on government land without proper authorisation. Following this, the madrasa was sealed, and a notice was issued to the madrasa operator to vacate the premises. However, despite receiving the notice, the madrasa operator did not respond, leading to the demolition.
Early on Saturday, a team led by Rudrapur Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Manish Bisht, Tehsildar Dinesh Kutaula, and a large police force arrived at the site. With the help of four bulldozers, they demolished the madrasa and three nearby shops. The administration stated that the madrasa had been operating illegally on half an acre of barren land for nearly two decades. Despite multiple notices, the madrasa continued to occupy the land, prompting the authorities to take decisive action.
“The madrasa was being run illegally on government land for the past 17 years. Action against illegal madrasas, mosques, and tombs will continue,” said SDM Manish Bisht.
The demolition in Udham Singh Nagar is part of a broader effort by the Uttarakhand government to remove what it claims as illegal religious structures across various districts. This campaign, which has seen the destruction of numerous mosques, madrasas, and tombs, has sparked a mixed response from the public. Supporters of the government’s actions argue that it is necessary to maintain law and order, while critics claim that the demolitions disproportionately affect religious minorities.
