Daijiworld Media Network

Lucknow, Aug 11: A circular from the Uttar Pradesh government directing Madrasas (Islamic schools) to compulsorily observe Independence Day by hoisting the flag, organizing cultural programmes and also videograph the celebrations has triggered a controversy. A section of the Muslim clergy allege that the circular questions the integrity and patriotism of those running the Madrasas.

Certain clerics questioned why the circular was sent only to Madrasas while others were irked with the government asking them to submit the videos and photographs of the celebrations.

“A Madrasa student is equally patriotic as any other student. There was no need to issue such an order, especially only to madrasas, which have been celebrating the country’s Independence since 1947,” said Imam Eidgah Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahli to a newspaper.

The order was issued by registrar of UP Madrasa Shiksha Parishad, Rahul Gupta, who said there was nothing wrong with the order. “The letter has been issued with the right intention of helping Madrasas organise the event in accordance with a uniform schedule,” he said.

The directives mentioned in the circular had brief instruction such as:

• The flag hoisting and recitation of the National Anthem will take place at 8 am.
• Tribute will be paid to the martyrs of the freedom struggle.
• Students have been asked to sing patrotic songs
• Student to discuss the history of August 15 and the freedom fighters.
• Cultural programmes based on the theme of national unity, along with sports activities.
• Sweets will be distributed at the end of the session.
• The parishad has also sent the text of the National Anthem in both Hindi and Urdu.

UP minority affairs minister Mohsin Raza welcomed the order and said it would help Madrasa students “learn more about the country’s freedom struggle”.

However, reacting to the controversy, Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Katiyar said that all schools and Madrasas should unfurl the flag and sing the anthem. People who disagree should be categorized as “Deshdrohi” (traitors), he said.

Meanwhile, senior BJP MLA Raj Purohit has appealed to the Maharashtra government to make Vande Mataram mandatory in the state as soon as possible.