Harassment of Muslims, says Owaisi on UP Govt’s survey plan of madrassas

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President Asaduddin Owaisi slammed Uttar Pradesh’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for its decision to conduct a survey of unrecognised madrassas in the state and termed the move as harassment of Muslims.

The Hyderabad MP said the state government has no right to interfere in the functioning of these madrassas as they don’t receive any funds either from the state government or from the centre.

Owaisi argued that under Article 30 of the Constitution, Muslims have the right to set up and run educational institutions of their choice.

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president described the proposed survey as a ‘small NRC’ and an attempt to malign Muslims and Islam.

The MP reacted strongly when asked about the allegations that madarsas are involved in anti-national activities. “You are shamelessly saying this at a time when India is celebrating 75 years of Independence. These madarsas liberated the country and you are looking at them with suspicion. Is this the way you are paying homage to freedom fighters who passed out of these madarsas and secured Independence for India,” he asked.

“Issue an order saying don’t remain a Muslim, don’t offer namaz, don’t recite Quran. This is what you want,” Owaisi said.

The MP said even for madarsas recognized under Madarsa Board, the government has not paid salaries to teachers for the last two years.