Bareilly madrasas may face action under NSA for not singing anthem

Bareilly’s Barelvi madrasas that openly defied the Uttar Pradesh government’s directive and refused to sing mandatory national anthem may face legal action. The administration may impose the National Security Act as well.

“Singing national anthem is the fundamental duty of every citizen. If any madrasa had violated government order of singing national anthem during Independence Day celebrations, they will face action. But madrasas will be asked to explain why they violated the order” said Bareilly divisional commissioner PV Jaganmohan.

He added, “We will carry out an inquiry on whatever complaint we receive. The administration is waiting for madrasas to submit footages of Independence Day celebrations.”

The Bareilly district administration said they would look into the matter and those found guilty would be punished. “NSA could also be slapped against them as not singing national anthem amounts to being anti-national.” the commissioner said.

The official said when most of the madrasas in Lucknow and elsewhere followed the government order, then madrasas in Bareilly are not above the law.

Students at the Manzar-e-Islam — the biggest Barelvi madarsa in the city — hoisted the tricolour but didn’t sing the national anthem. Instead, around 500 students gathered at the open prayer hall to sing Sare jahan se achha. The madrasa authorities also refrained from videography.

“Traditionally, we do not sing the national anthem during Independence Day or Republic Day celebrations,” said a cleric.

STUDENTS AT THE MANZAREISLAM — THE BIGGEST BARELVI MADARSA IN THE CITY — HOISTED TRICOLOUR BUT DIDN’T SING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM