UP CM Yogi’s ‘Bulldozer Action’ On Madrasas, Mosques Near Indo-Nepal Border Explained

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Last Updated:May 06, 2025, 17:12 IST

The state conducted a drive across six border districts from April 25-27, focused on illegal establishments, unauthorised madrasas, mosques, mazars and other religious structures

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has initiated the action. (PTI File)

In what is being termed as yet another “bulldozer action", the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has now turned its attention to the Indo-Nepal border — a sensitive and strategic region.

This time, the state conducted a drive across six border districts from April 25 to 27, focused not only on illegal establishments, but also on unauthorised madrasas, mosques, mazars and other religious structures allegedly encroaching on government land and operating without legal recognition.

PROTECTING THE BORDERS

The crackdown began after the UP government began its investigation into encroachments under the Waqf Act and unauthorised religious activity on public land. “The porous nature of the Indo-Nepal border — spanning over 700 km through seven districts of Uttar Pradesh — makes it a sensitive region for national security. Free movement of citizens between the two nations further elevates the need for regulatory oversight, especially of institutions located close to the border," a senior official with the government told News18.

This aligns with Adityanath’s directive to act decisively against unlawful religious and educational institutions in border zones.

District administrations, in coordination with the police and central security forces such as the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) carried out the operation. A state official said that the goal was to free a 0-10 km stretch along the Indo-Nepal border and was backed by ongoing surveys, inspection drives, and monitoring committees.

BAHRAICH

Among all six border districts, Bahraich emerged as a key focus area due to the large number of unrecognised madrasas and religious encroachments. A total of 495 unrecognised madrasas were identified, with more than six sealed so far. Additionally, 227 cases of encroachment were officially recorded, and 89 illegal structures have been cleared, primarily in Nanpara tehsil. Within the 0-10 km security buffer zone along the border, three madrasas were shut down for failing to provide valid documents.

“We served notices last year. Those that failed to comply are now being cleared. Many families voluntarily dismantled their structures, while others were offered temporary leases at alternate locations," said Devendra Pal Singh, Chief Revenue Officer, Bahraich.

SHRAVASTI

Over the course of five days, 41 madrasas in Shravasti were shut down. Of these, 12 madrasas in Jamunaha and 14 in Bhinga were specifically sealed due to non-compliance with regulatory standards and issues related to encroachment. In Shravasti, the Minority Welfare Department’s surveys revealed a troubling trend in Jamunaha, where 80 unrecognised madrasas were found operating under questionable circumstances. “A total of 26 madrasas sealed were part of the larger effort to address these discrepancies," said SK Rai, SDM, Bahraich.

LAKHIMPUR KHERI, MAHARAJGANJ, SIDDHARTHNAGAR & BALRAMPUR

In Lakhimpur’s Pallia tehsil, officials demolished the walls of an under-construction mosque in Krishnanagar Colony. The structure was being rebuilt despite an earlier demolition in 2023. SDM Ratnakar Mishra said that since notice had already been issued last year, no fresh notice was required for this enforcement.

In Maharajganj and Siddharthnagar authorities demolished two mazars and one mosque in Shohratgarh tehsil (Siddharthnagar) and removed illegal structures at an Eidgah and mazar in Jhulnipur (Maharajganj). ADM Siddharthnagar Gaurav Srivastava confirmed that madrasas without valid documentation are under active review for potential demolition. In Maharajganj, 11 unrecognised madrasas have been sealed, and several religious structures on public land have been removed. The district magistrate has confirmed an ongoing survey within the 10-15 km border belt. In Balrampur, district authorities identified 13 cases of encroachment, with three already cleared. One madrasa has been removed, five served notices, and two mazars dismantled. Twenty madrasas have been ordered shut for lacking compliance with educational norms.

STATE-WIDE FIGURES

As per consolidated data from district officials:

Total illegal religious structures identified: 139

Total unrecognised madrasas sealed or closed: Over 110

Structures demolished or removed (mosques, mazars, eidgahs, etc.): More than 30

These numbers are expected to rise as the state continues surveys and legal action in compliance with court guidelines.

ACTION TAKEN

District	Action
Bahraich	495 unrecognised madrasas identified; over 6 sealed so far.227 encroachments documented; 89 removed, especially in Nanpara.Three madrasas within the 0-10 km border zone shut down over lack of documents.
Shravasti	80 madrasas are under scrutiny in Jamunaha alone.41 madrasas shut over five days, including 12 in Jamunaha and 14 in Bhinga.26 sealed due to non-compliance and encroachment issues.
Lakhimpur Kheri	Authorities razed an incomplete mosque in Krishnanagar Colony.A 2023 notice served earlier was cited; no fresh notice was issued.Attempted re-construction was stopped again under vigilant district watch.
Maharajganj	11 madrasas sealed; multiple shrines including mazars demolished.Two major demolition drives in Jhulnipur and Nichlaul areas.19 structures marked for removal.
Siddharthnagar	Six religious structures demolished in Shohratgarh tehsil.Ongoing survey of madrasas under district magistrate’s directive.Institutions without land or recognition documents to be removed.
Balrampur	One madrasa encroaching on public land removed.Two shrines demolished; five madrasas served closure notices.20 madrasas ordered shut due to non-compliance.