No national anthem: Some madrasas in UP defy Yogi Adityanath's Independence Day diktat
Officials at madrasas said that they didn’t want to give proof of their patriotism.
Defying Yogi Adityanath government's order, some madrasas in Uttar Pradesh refused to sing national anthem and videograph the Independence Day celebrations.
The Uttar Pradesh government had directed all madrassas (Islamic schools) to hold celebrations on Independence Day and videograph the event, and even warned of action against madrassas which do not follow the order.
The directive was also questioned by All India Muslim Personal Law Board member Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahli.
Stating that they didn’t want to give proof of their patriotism, students madrasas in Kanpur, Meerut and Bareilly sang Saare Jahan Se Achha, a 20th century patriotic song penned by the poet Mohammad Iqbal, reported Hindustan Times.
The Sunni Ulema Council convener Haji Mohd Saleeh said, "Students hoisted the flag and celebrated the occasion with traditional fervour. The government order is an attempt to test our patriotism which is wrong.”
The report also said that the students in Bareilly's Manzar-e-Islam hoisted the Tricolour but didn’t sing the national anthem. The madrasa authorities also refrained from videography.
“Traditionally, we do not sing the national anthem during Independence Day or Republic Day celebrations. We only followed convention this time,” a senior cleric told the daily.
However, amidst mix reactions, Lucknow's Firangi Mahal madrasa unfurled the tricolor. Agra's Afzal Ul Uloom Madrasa also celebrated the day of independence.