Legality and timing of sudden crackdown questioned; Muslims accuse government of bias against religious schools while officials cite missing documents
NEW DELHI/BALRAMPUR — The Uttar Pradesh government’s ongoing campaign against Muslim institutions took a serious turn on Friday evening when officials ordered the closure of a madrasa in Balrampur district, abruptly halting the education of 39 young Muslim girls.
The madrasa, named Jamia Alima Sadia, had been operating in the Shriduttganj police station area for years. It also provided hostel facilities for girl students from poor families, many of whom had no other option for education.
Officials, led by the District Minority Welfare Department and supported by police, declared the madrasa “illegal” after its operator, Ghulam Mainuddin, allegedly failed to present documents during a sudden raid. Without any prior warning, the authorities sealed the premises and sent the children back to their families.
The action has sparked anger and concern among local residents, who gathered in large numbers as the raid was carried out. Many villagers expressed shock at the timing, pointing out that more than half of the new academic session has already passed.
“Our daughters were studying safely in the madrasa hostel. The government could have given time to arrange proper documents. Instead, they have thrown 39 innocent girls onto the streets,” said Mohammad Saleem, a local resident.
Parents of the displaced children are now scrambling to find alternatives for their daughters. “Where will my child study now? Government schools are too far, and private schools are beyond our means. This is injustice,” said Rukhsana Begum, mother of one of the students.
Eyewitnesses said the area around Kapowa Sherpur Karbala resembled a “cantonment” during the raid, with police from several stations deployed to assist officials. Additional Superintendent of Police Vishal Pandey confirmed that the raid was carried out by a joint team of police and the District Minority Welfare Officer.
“The inquiry into the madrasa’s recognition and rules is ongoing. If any flaws are found, further legal action will be taken,” said CO Uttaraula, Raghavendra Singh.
The administration has also announced that inspections of all madrasas in the district are underway, warning of strict action against those without official recognition.
Community leaders, however, argue that the action reflects a larger pattern of targeting Muslim institutions under the current BJP government. They point out that many Hindu-run schools and temples operate without strict paperwork but rarely face such raids.
“Why did the administration not check this madrasa for years if papers were missing? Why suddenly, in the middle of the session, were poor Muslim girls sent home? This is a direct attack on our education,” said advocate and social activist Mohammad Imran.
Scholars and madrasa teachers say such moves are designed to instill fear among Muslims and discourage families from sending their children to religious schools. “This is not about documents; it is about discrimination. The government wants to weaken madrasas because they provide affordable education to poor Muslims,” said Maulana Rashid, an Islamic scholar from Bahraich.
For the 39 girls of Jamia Alima Sadia, the sudden closure has left them uncertain about their future. With limited access to affordable schools in Balrampur’s rural areas, many risk losing a full academic year.
“These are innocent children. They were studying peacefully. Instead of supporting their education, the government is destroying it. What crime have these girls committed?” asked Mohammad Ashraf, another parent.
Local villagers have appealed to the administration to reconsider the order and allow the madrasa to reopen after proper documentation is completed. But so far, the authorities have stood firm on their decision.
The incident has fuelled growing criticism that the Uttar Pradesh government is unfairly targeting Muslim institutions under the pretext of law and order. Similar closures and surveys of madrasas in other districts have already drawn sharp reactions from Muslim groups.
As the debate intensifies, the closure of Jamia Alima Sadia has become more than just a local issue. For many Muslims, it is seen as another example of systemic bias against their community’s educational and religious life.
“This is not about one madrasa in Balrampur. It is about the government’s mindset towards Muslims. They want to push our children out of education, but we will not let that happen,” said social worker Shabana Parveen.
