Hindu Extremists Demand Shutdown of 400-year-old Islamic School

Members of extremist Hindutva groups staged a provocative demonstration outside Madrasa Noomania in Hyderabad, demanding the closure of the historic Islamic seminary. The madrasa, which has been in existence for nearly four centuries, currently operates within the Masjid-e-Hussaini—a Qutb Shahi-era Mosque that also dates back approximately 400 years. The mosque continues to serve as a place of worship, hosting five daily prayers, while the madrasa provides religious and academic instruction to local students.

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A Legacy Under Threat

The protest, which lasted over two hours, sparked concern among residents and community leaders. Amjadullah Khan, spokesperson for the Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT), condemned the demonstration, describing it as a calculated attempt to disrupt communal harmony in a city known for its relative peace. “This is not just about a madrasa,” Khan stated. “It’s about inciting division and fear among communities that have coexisted for generations.”

Police Inaction Raises Concerns

Khan also criticized the Balapur police for their inaction, alleging that officers failed to intervene as demonstrators chanted inflammatory slogans. Meanwhile, protestors accused the madrasa of enrolling non-local students—claims that the madrasa administration firmly denied, asserting that all students are residents of the area.

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Community Stands Against Hate

The madrasa not only serves as an educational institution but also employs several teachers. Both students and staff now face uncertainty and anxiety over the future of the seminary. Residents expressed alarm at the disruption caused by the protest and emphasized that such institutions should not be targeted based on unfounded allegations or politically motivated pressure. Many called for the police to uphold neutrality and protect the rights of all communities, warning that silence in the face of extremism could erode the city’s social fabric.