UP Madrasas celebrate Independence Day by unfurling tricolor

ANI  |  Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India] 

Amidst mix reactions over the Government's directive to record Independence Day celebrations in madrassas (Islamic Schools), Lucknow's Firangi Mahal Madrasa unfurled the tricolor today.

Agra's Afzal Ul Uloom Madrasa also celebrated the day of independence.

However, earlier on Monday, a Muslim cleric opposed the orders making it mandatory for madarsas to unfurl flag and sing anthem on Independence Day.

and have directed the madarsas in the state to unfurl the flag and sing the anthem on the Independence Day.

Speaking to ANI, Mufti Mukkaram, a cleric from Delhi, said such orders shouldn't be passed which question the loyalty and patriotism of the Muslims.

"Such orders give a wrong impression about Muslims. We unfurl the flag a day or two before Independence Day. But to doubt the Muslims or looking at them with suspicion is wrong," Mukkaram said.

He argued that it is objectionable for people to believe that Muslims are not patriotic or are anti-nationals.

"We (Muslims) have contributed a lot to the country. There should be no reason to cast any doubts over our patriotism." He added.

Earlier on August 11, Madarsa Board has followed in the Madrasa Shiksha Parishad's footsteps and has ordered all 256 madrasas in the state to unfurl the flag and recite the anthem on August 15.

The Madrasa Board on Friday directed the youth to follow the order, record the video, click pictures of the event and send it to the chairman of the board.

The board has also asked the students to take out a ' Tiranga rally' on the day.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)