With over 350 religious sites targeted, Muslims accuse the Yogi government of running a campaign of hate and destruction under the cover of legality
MAHARAJGANJ, Uttar Pradesh – A sweeping wave of demolitions and shutdowns of Muslim religious institutions in Uttar Pradesh has triggered fear and anger across the state. Citing “illegal construction,” the BJP-led Yogi Adityanath government has taken action against over 350 mosques, madrasas, Idgahs, and dargahs — many of them located in Muslim-majority districts near the Nepal border.
In Maharajganj alone, 29 madrasas and five shrines have been bulldozed, while at least 26 others have been sealed or issued notices. Residents see this as part of a deliberate pattern.
“This is no longer about legality — it’s about identity,” said Mohammad Arif, whose two sons studied at Madrasa Arabia Misbahul Uloom, recently sealed by authorities. “The message is clear: if you’re Muslim, your institutions will be shut down, your children’s futures jeopardised.”
The madrasa in Parsmalik, Nautanwa tehsil, was closed by local officials on Monday. SDM Naveen Kumar, accompanied by police, sealed the premises, citing a lack of official recognition — despite villagers asserting that the land was legally allotted years ago.
“This is injustice,” said Shafiq Malik, a resident. “The madrasa was serving our children. Now they seal it as if it were a criminal den. Is this democracy or a vendetta against Muslims?”
Across districts like Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur, and Siddharthnagar, Muslim residents say their community infrastructure is being dismantled systematically — while alleged illegal constructions by other groups remain untouched.
“The bulldozers never go near unauthorised temples or ashrams,” said Naeem Ansari, a social worker. “This isn’t about the rule of law — it’s about targeting Muslims.”
While the Minority Welfare Department claims it is identifying unrecognised madrasas, many of these institutions have existed for decades, built on community land and serving economically disadvantaged families.
“This is state-backed Islamophobia,” said Maulana Faheem Akhtar, a religious leader from Balrampur. “They want to erase our religion, our culture, and our presence in public life.”
In several cases, demolitions have reportedly occurred without adequate notice or due process. Educationist Dr. Azam Qureshi from Bahraich asked, “Would the government seal an English-medium private school this way? Never. This is selective punishment.”
The impact on students has been especially severe. “We just came to learn,” said 16-year-old Faizan, a madrasa student. “Now our school is gone. They treat us like criminals. What future do we have?”
Legal experts warn that the government’s actions may violate constitutional rights. Advocate Aslam Siddiqui, preparing a legal challenge, said, “If regulations must be enforced, they must apply to everyone. Singling out Muslims is unlawful and discriminatory.”
Despite the criticism, state officials deny any communal motive. A senior officer in Maharajganj, speaking anonymously, said, “All unauthorised constructions are being dealt with equally. No one is being targeted.”
But local residents don’t buy the explanation.
“That’s a lie,” said retired teacher Asad Ali. “Everyone can see what’s happening. Our institutions are under attack. We’re being punished, humiliated, and pushed back.”
In today’s Uttar Pradesh, the bulldozer has become more than a machine — it is a symbol of state power and, increasingly, a tool of political messaging. For Muslims, every locked madrasa and demolished mosque feels like a message: you don’t belong.
“We are not illegal,” said Arif, his voice trembling. “We are Indian citizens. But this government is treating us like enemies. How long will the world watch silently?”
