Lucknow, 14 Sept: On Wednesday, All India Imam Association head Maulana Sajid Rashidi supported violence against surveyors of unrecognised madarsas in Uttar Pradesh.
In an interview with the media, the cleric distinguished between private madarsas and those that get government funding. Rashidi asked the officials of these institutions to attack the individuals conducting the survey with slippers and shoes, claiming that the UP government had no authority to intervene in the affairs of madarsas operated on private contributions.
According to Maulana Sajid Rashidi, “Private madarsas are supported by 2.5% of our Zakat. Who will hold it accountable? What is your legal authority to conduct a survey? I pay 2.5% Zakat. My Zakat allows the madarsa to function. You are free to undertake a survey of the madarsas that get government legal help. Modernize them, educate them, and do anything you want. I would want to encourage Muslims to present the 2009 law to individuals who arrive with such a notification and to greet them with slippers and shoes. According to our Constitution, we have the freedom to practise and spread our faith.”
The move by the Yogi Adityanath-led government to examine unrecognised madarsas is in compliance with the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights.
On Tuesday, teams comprising the Sub Divisional Magistrate, Basic Education Officer, and Minority Welfare Officer began this procedure. They will submit their findings to the District Magistrate, who will then convey them to the Uttar Pradesh government by October 25. After reviewing the findings, the state government will take the necessary steps.
