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The state administration on Sunday sealed seven madrasas in Haldwani district of Uttarakhand, India. At least 170 madrasas have been sealed in the state, according to online media Muslim Mirror. State officials claim that these institutions were closed because they were operating without registration with the Madrasa Board or the state education department. Hindustan Times.

Hindustan Times reported on Sunday that a joint team comprising the district administration, municipal authorities and local police officials recently conducted a ‘special inspection drive’ in the Muslim-majority Banabhulpura area. During this, the proper registration of the institutions and compliance with other regulatory requirements were checked.

Officials said that during the inspection, several madrasas were found unregistered. As a result, seven of them have been sealed. Haldwani City Magistrate AP Bajpai said, “We are conducting a special drive to inspect the madrasas in Haldwani.” Several madrasas are being run without proper registration, in violation of state government rules. Taking strict action, we have sealed seven madrasas so far. According to officials, the district administration conducted a preliminary survey of madrasas in Banabhulpura area last month. The survey recorded details like location, number of students seeking admission and facilities available.

On March 26, the Uttarakhand government said it would investigate the funds of the ‘illegal’ madrasas sealed across the state and a report in this regard would be submitted directly to the Chief Minister’s Office. Officials say there are around 450 registered madrasas in the state. They have given the government complete details of their documents, bank accounts and income and expenditure. But they claim that over 500 madrasas are being run without any recognition.

Earlier, on February 8, municipal officials demolished an ‘illegal’ madrasa in Banabhulpura area. They claim that it was part of an anti-encroachment drive. This led to violent clashes and arson between Muslims and the Haldwani police. The district administration suspended internet services and ordered the closure of all schools and colleges.

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