The opposition has strongly criticized the state government’s campaign to demolish madrassas in Assam linked to alleged “jihadi activities”, terming it “totally illegal” and targeting “a particular community”.
Within the last one month, three madrasas in different parts of the state were demolished by the BJP government after their teachers were arrested. The teachers were arrested for allegedly indulging in ‘jihadi’ activities.
Only political leaders of the ruling party usually make statements in the media that madrasas have been demolished from their premises for allegedly carrying out jihadi activities.
In Assam, 610 government madrassas were converted into upper primary, higher and higher secondary schools with effect from April 1 last year, with no change in the status, salaries, allowances and service conditions of teaching and non-teaching staff.
After this the State Madrasa Education Board, Assam was dissolved and the last Assam Higher Madrasa Examination for Class 10 students by the Board of Secondary Education, Assam was held in the year 2022.
Presently there are around 1,000 private madrasas, which are being run as per the guidelines and curriculum of All Assam Tanzeem Madaris Koumia.
CPI(M) state secretary Suprakash Talukdar said his party was completely against the demolition of madrassas, as the arrest of a suspect is not the last step in the justice system. The talukdar alleged that the state government was breaking all the rules.