Authorities demolish long-standing Madrasa Ahle Sunnat, raising serious concerns about discriminatory targeting of Muslim educational and religious centre
GONDA — In a move that has stirred deep concern within the Muslim community, the Uttar Pradesh government recently demolished Madrasa Ahle Sunnat, a 25-year-old Islamic educational institution in Navvagaon, Gonda district. The administration claimed the madrasa was constructed illegally on government barn land and used bulldozers to clear the site under strict orders from the state government.
The demolition comes amidst a wider campaign led by the Yogi Adityanath government targeting mosques, madrasas, mazars, and Eidgahs, especially in districts bordering Nepal, such as Gonda and Shravasti. According to reports, over 500 religious institutions linked to the Muslim community have faced similar bulldozer actions in the past two months.
Authorities say that the Madrasa Ahle Sunnat was illegally occupying plot number 67 in Navvagaon under the Babhanjot development block, officially registered as government barn land. Tehsildar of Mankapur carried out the demolition under Section 67 of the relevant laws, after issuing notices to the madrasa committee that were reportedly ignored.
A district official stated, “The madrasa committee was repeatedly given notices to vacate the premises. When they did not comply, the administration had no choice but to remove the illegal occupation and reclaim government property.”
However, members of the madrasa’s management and the local Muslim community strongly contest these claims. They assert that the madrasa has served as a centre of learning and spiritual growth for generations and that the demolition is part of a deliberate campaign targeting Muslim institutions. One local, requesting anonymity, said, “The madrasa has been here for over two decades. It is unfair and hurtful to see it destroyed without proper dialogue or support for the community.”
The demolition of Madrasa Ahle Sunnat is not an isolated incident. Across Uttar Pradesh, especially near the Nepal border, the government has intensified bulldozer operations against mosques and madrasas, with Shravasti district seeing the highest number of demolitions.
Activists and community leaders accuse the state administration of disproportionately targeting Muslims under the guise of enforcing land laws. Dr Saifuddin Khan, a human rights advocate, remarked, “This is part of a troubling pattern of religious discrimination, where Muslim institutions are labelled illegal and dismantled, while similar actions are rarely taken against other communities. It sends a message of exclusion and intimidation.”
The state government defends its actions by stressing the importance of reclaiming government land and ensuring lawful use. Yet, critics argue that the timing and intensity of the demolitions raise serious questions about intent and fairness.
For Muslims in Gonda and neighbouring districts, the demolitions have caused fear and insecurity. Many depend on madrasas not just for religious education but also for community cohesion and social support. The loss of such institutions disrupts these vital networks.
A madrasa teacher from Gonda, speaking on condition of anonymity, shared, “These demolitions break the trust between the government and our community. We want to contribute positively to society, but actions like these make us feel targeted and alienated.”
Muslim leaders and organisations are calling on the Uttar Pradesh government to halt these demolition drives and engage in sincere dialogue with the affected communities. They demand a fair review of the land claims and an end to what they describe as discriminatory policies.
Imam Abdul Rahman, a respected community leader in Gonda, stated, “We respect the law, but it must be applied fairly and with respect for our religious rights. Destroying madrasas without consultation harms the fabric of our society.”
