If Private Madrasas Are Legal, Why Was an Imam Assaulted in Assam's Lumding?

A tense situation unfolded on Sunday at Amtila area near Fakruddin Ali Ahmed School Road in Hojai's Lumding after locals, along with members of the International Hindu Parishad and Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, accused a private residence of operating an “illegal madrasa.” 

The confrontation turned violent, leading to vandalism and an assault on an 'Imam' who was present at the location.

Locals Allege Unauthorized Religious Classes

Residents claimed that Arabic lessons for children had been conducted inside the house for several months without prior permission from the state government. Despite previous objections, the classes reportedly continued, heightening tensions in the predominantly Hindu locality.

As the crowd gathered, the situation escalated, and members of the organisations allegedly vandalised the residence. The 'imam' conducting the lessons was physically assaulted during the altercation.

'Imam' Denies Running Madrasa

The 'imam', identified as Salim Uddin of Dhal Pukhuri, Hojai, insisted that he was only providing private tuition.

Speaking to DY365 Live, he said:

“I have been in Lumding for years and today I was taking tuition on the Arabic language. This is not a madrassa. I am a private tutor since the last one month. Three people came and started taking my videos. When I asked them to speak outside, they questioned me about what I was teaching. I told them clearly I was teaching Arabic. But later, they started to physically assault me.”

Hindu Groups Call It ‘Jihadi Education’

Members of the organisations accused the 'imam' of imparting “jihadi education,” claiming that madrasa-style training was taking place despite the state government’s actions against such institutions.

One member was heard telling the 'imam':

“We have been watching what is going on in this nation and in the entire world. You will have to stop your agendas. You will have to show us your Aadhaar card and other documents as soon as possible.”

Another member speaking to the media said:

“The state government has banned madrassas, but here a self-made madrassa is being run. Rashtriya Bajrang Dal along with other Hindu organisations has shut this madrassa. We are shocked that madrassa training is being done in Lumding. We want to warn the jihadi elements operating in the area to stop such trainings immediately. This area is 99% Hindu.”

The member further alleged:

“Earlier, the 'imam' was operating in a nearby school. After several complaints, he started continuing the madrassa inside a residence. This is seriously shocking.”

Police Intervene, Maintain Silence

Following the incident, the Lumding Police reached the spot soon after the situation turned violent, dispersed the gathering, and took the 'imam' into custody for questioning. Officers refrained from commenting further, citing the “sensitive nature” of the matter.

Government’s Madrasa Policy Misinterpreted

It may be mentioned that the claims by the Hindu organisations that madrassas are banned in Assam are factually incorrect.

Key facts on Assam’s madrasa reforms:

• The government has not banned all madrassas.

• It has shut down government-run and provincialised madrassas, converting over 1,200 of them into general Middle English schools by late 2023.

• State funding for religious education has been discontinued.

• Private madrassas continue to operate legally, as they are protected under constitutional provisions for minority educational institutions.

• The government is currently negotiating with private madrassa bodies to voluntarily reduce their numbers by around 1,000.

Sensitive Situation in a Communally Dominant Area

Local Hindu groups stressed that the area has a “99% Hindu population” and warned of action if such activities continue. Meanwhile, the police presence has been strengthened in the locality to prevent further escalation.

Further investigation into the alleged unauthorised classes and the assault incident is underway.

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