Monday, 05 AUGUST 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The Muslim Seva Sangathan (MSS) has accused the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) chairperson Geeta Khanna of targeting a Madarsa. This accusation stemmed from an incident wherein Khanna’s inspection of a Madarsa near ISBT allegedly involved disrespecting the religious environment by wearing footwear, despite the presence of religious texts and a mosque. However, Khanna has rejected the allegation.
MSS president Naeem Ahmed Qureshi alleged that Khanna had disrespected their religious sentiments by wearing footwear during the recent inspection of the Madarsa where the religious book was kept and a mosque is located. Qureshi added that this was not the first time Khanna had worn footwear inside a Madarsa and that she had unfairly targeted Madarsas on multiple occasions. Qureshi said that during the inspection, the Madarsa administration asked Khanna not to wear footwear inside their place, however, she refused and even asked for documents which are not part of her responsibilities, he claimed.
He further pointed out that according to the constitution, minorities in India have the freedom to operate educational institutions. Qureshi further added that in response to this, under the guidance of Shahar Qazi Mohammad Ahmed, the MSS organised a protest on Friday in Dehradun, wearing black ribbons to signify their disapproval of her actions in the Madarsa. Additionally, a letter was submitted to the Dehradun senior superintendent of police Ajai Singh, requesting the prompt registration of an FIR against Khanna. He stressed that instead of targeting the Madarsa, Khanna should address issues like child labour, child beggary and other significant concerns.
However, Khanna refuted the allegation made by the MSS. She stated that no Madarsa administration had prevented her from wearing footwear inside the Madarsa during the inspection. She said that she had not even visited the mosque located on the Madarsa premises. Khanna emphasised that if anyone had prohibited her from wearing footwear inside the Madarsa, she would not have done so. She further said that rather than turning it into a communal issue, the focus should have been on addressing the inhumane conditions observed for the students during the inspection.
