In the districts bordering Nepal, Muslim communities face relentless pressure as over 225 madrasas, 30 mosques, and several Eidgahs and tombs are bulldozed
MAHARAJGANJ – The Uttar Pradesh government’s ongoing campaign targeting Muslim religious sites in districts bordering Nepal has entered a troubling new phase. In Maharajganj’s Farenda tehsil, villagers, acting under pressure from official notices, dismantled an illegal mosque themselves before any government action could be taken. This incident highlights the increasing burden placed on the Muslim community, which feels targeted and marginalised by state policies.
The mosque in question, located in Mainhawa Gram Panchayat (village number 108), was constructed on 0.018 hectares of land identified by the district administration as government-owned after a recent land survey. Though this mosque had served as a place of worship for local Muslims for several years, it was labelled illegal and dismantled by the community following official pressure.
A local Muslim, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed distress over the situation, saying, “It feels like we are being punished for simply practising our faith. The mosque was part of our community, and now we are forced to destroy it ourselves, without any support or dialogue.”
According to official records, the Yogi Adityanath-led administration has demolished more than 225 madrasas, 30 mosques, 25 tombs (mazars), and six Eidgahs in the districts adjoining Nepal. The districts affected include Maharajganj, Siddharthnagar, Balrampur, Shravasti, Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Pilibhit.
Breaking down the figures further:
• Maharajganj alone has seen 29 madrasas, nine mosques, seven mazars, and one Eidgah demolished.
• Siddharthnagar has witnessed the removal of 35 madrasas and nine mosques.
• Balrampur lost 30 madrasas, 10 mazars, and one Eidgah.
• Shravasti faced the demolition of 110 madrasas, one mosque, 10 mazars, and one Eidgah.
• Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Pilibhit have also suffered similar demolitions targeting Muslim religious structures.
A Muslim community leader from Maharajganj commented, “This is not just about illegal structures. It’s about our identity, our heritage, and our rights. The government’s actions appear to be a systematic effort to marginalise us and erase our presence near the border regions.”
The administration justifies these measures by stating the campaign is intended to clear illegal encroachments and maintain law and order in the sensitive border areas. Officials warn that any future illegal occupation of land will result in FIRs and strict action.
However, residents and human rights activists argue that these measures disproportionately affect Muslims, stoking fears of religious discrimination. “The scale and focus of these demolitions on Muslim religious places raise serious concerns,” said a spokesperson from a local civil rights group. “Where are the actions against illegal structures of other communities? This selective targeting fuels mistrust and fear.”
The situation in Maharajganj also reveals the pressure put on Muslim villagers, who have begun to remove encroachments themselves to avoid harsher government action. This self-policing under duress reflects the increasing anxiety in Muslim communities about their security and religious freedom.
A youth from Farenda tehsil said, “We want to live in peace and practise our religion freely. But when even our mosques and madrasas come under attack, it sends a message that we are not welcome here.”
The Muslim community has appealed for dialogue and understanding, urging the government to reconsider its approach and engage with affected communities rather than impose heavy-handed measures.
This episode in Maharajganj is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the Muslims in safeguarding their religious spaces amid a climate of growing intolerance and official action targeting their places of worship.
“The mosque was more than a building; it was a centre for our prayers, gatherings, and faith,” a local elder added. “To see it dismantled like this, forced by those who should protect us, is deeply painful.”
