Illegal Madrasa razed in Assam following strong protests by Tinsukia villagers

Tensions flared in Lohari Kachari village, near Tinsukia town, after locals discovered the establishment of a madrasa allegedly without their consent or prior knowledge. The structure, reportedly set up around two months ago on land owned by contractor Nurul Amin, became the focus of intense community scrutiny after concerns emerged over the credentials of its imam.

According to villagers, discrepancies were found between the addresses listed on the imam’s voter ID and Aadhaar card, prompting questions about his citizenship status. On August 10, residents—accompanied by members of the Bir Lachit Sena and several local organisations—visited the site, only to learn that the imam had fled during the previous night.

The situation escalated as demands for the madrasa’s closure grew louder. Police arrived on the scene to prevent further unrest, after which the madrasa management committee, facing sustained opposition, brought in a JCB machine and dismantled the structure.

This incident follows earlier tensions in Bhimpara village, where residents and the Bir Lachit Sena voiced strong dissatisfaction over the absence of Assamese language on the nameplate of a newly constructed mosque. The mosque’s management committee president reportedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the omission.

In a separate matter, villagers and the Bir Lachit Sena also protested against a mosque wall allegedly built illegally over a drainage channel without municipal approval. The mosque committee later complied with demands and dismantled the wall.

Authorities have urged all stakeholders to maintain peace, while community groups continue to call for stricter oversight on religious structure constructions in the district.