Uttar Pradesh: Shia Waqf Board directs madrassas to chant ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’

On the occasion of Independence Day, Uttar Pradesh Shia Waqf Board has directed all madrassas functioning on its properties to celebrate the patriotic fervour by chanting ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ after the hoisting of the national flag and singing of the national anthem.

“We have directed all the madrasas running under the Shia Waqf Board to chant ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ after hoisting the national flag and singing the national anthem,” Board Chairman Waseem Rizvi told PTI.

The board even warned of strict action against those who do not comply with the order. Rizvi stated that there are over 1,500 madrassas and schools running on Waqf properties in Uttar Pradesh and they will have to abide by the directive.

The Indian Express reported that on being asked whether the Uttar Pradesh government has also issued any order mandating the recitation of the slogan ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ for students in madrassas, UP Minority Welfare minister Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary avoided a direct reply.

Shia Waqf board ne jitni bhi waqf sampatiyan hai un par order jari kia hai ki Aug15ke jhanda arohan karyakram mai rashtra gaan ke baad Bharat Mata ki Jai ka nara zaroor lagaya jayega.Aur jo institute isko follow nahi karega hum uske khilaaf karwayi karenge:W.Rizvi,Shia Waqf board pic.twitter.com/vGoBisfVFN

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 11, 2018

“Jo Bharat Varsh mein paida huaa hai usse to Bharat Mata ki jai bolni hi hai (A person born in India has to say Bharat Mata ki Jai),” he told PTI.

“We have issued orders that on August 15, the tricolour will be hoisted, tributes will be paid to freedom fighters and martyrs, students will be told about their heroic deeds and plantation of saplings will be done,” the minister added.

“This is only a departmental order, and nothing more. This should in no way be seen as a move to test the patriotism of Muslims,” he responded to the question put forth.

He also said August 15 is a national festival. The nation celebrates it’s 72nd Independence Day on August 15.

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