The Vice President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Malik Moatasim Khan has voiced concern over the selective targeting of Muslim-owned Universities by various governments in BJP-ruled states.
In a statement to the media, the JIH Vice President said, “We have serious concerns over the recent spate of arrests and legal actions targeting Muslim-run educational institutions across India in BJP-ruled states. From the midnight arrest of USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque in Assam to the persecution of Maulana Azad University chairperson in Rajasthan, the attachment of Glocal University assets, and the relentless crackdown on Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Uttar Pradesh, there appears to be a pattern of selective targeting of Muslim-owned educational centers of higher education. It appears that these institutions are being deliberately vilified to repress Muslim-led educational progress. The issue becomes even more serious when these actions are accompanied by regular attempts from politicians to stereotype and stigmatize these institutes under a completely false and misleading narrative of radicalization.”
Mr. Malik Moatasim Khan added, “We feel that such actions not only tarnish the reputations of these universities but also jeopardize the futures of thousands of students and faculty members striving for academic excellence. The targeting of these universities, despite their recognized academic achievements, threatens the fundamental right to education and equal opportunity in the country. The witch-hunt against these Universities damages our reputation as a constitutional democracy where all are treated equally regardless of class, caste, and creed. If NAAC-accredited ‘A’ grade universities are going to become victims of political opportunism and communal bias, then the fate of higher education in India is in serious crisis. Our quest to become a global leader in education and invite foreign universities to open campuses in India is bound to receive a serious setback. We demand an end to this selective targeting of Muslim-owned institutions of higher learning and hope state governments refrain from doing such communal and vote-bank politics as it is endangering the educational interests of thousands of students.”
