Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani on Saturday opposed the proposed demolition of 38 buildings at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur, saying any action against the institution should only be taken after the legal process is completed.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Hindu-Muslim Unity Convention Against Communalism and Hatred in Lucknow, Madani described the issue as political and said the university, named after freedom fighter Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar, should be protected.
“You should understand that this is a political issue. Azam Khan is a political figure, and I may have my differences with him. But the person after whom the university is named was a great freedom fighter of this country,” Madani said.
‘Demolition Should Not Be the First Option’
Madani said that even if authorities find legal violations in the construction of the university, demolition should not be the immediate response.
“If someone has constructed a building illegally, demolition should not be the only option. Thousands of students study there and receive an education. The institution should be protected while enforcing the law,” he said.
He added that if any irregularities are established through the judicial process, the government can impose penalties in accordance with the law instead of demolishing the buildings.
“I believe that Jauhar University should continue to exist. Demolishing it is wrong,” he said.
Calls for Judicial Process to Conclude
Madani maintained that the authorities should wait until the courts, including the Supreme Court if necessary, decide the matter before taking any irreversible action.
He said the university should not be demolished while legal proceedings remain pending.
Appeals for Communal Harmony
Addressing the convention, Madani urged Muslims to strengthen communal harmony by building closer ties with people of other faiths.
He appealed to Muslims to invite non-Muslim neighbours to madrasas to help dispel misconceptions about the community and promote better understanding.
“The fire of hatred cannot be extinguished with more hatred. It can only be doused by the waters of love, affection and brotherhood,” he said.
Madani added that Muslims should stand by their non-Muslim neighbours in times of joy and hardship and demonstrate the values of Islam through their conduct.
Indira Jaising, Others Attend Convention
The convention was organised by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind in collaboration with Jamiat Ulama Uttar Pradesh.
Senior Advocate Indira Jaising, Prof. Vishwambhar Nath Mishra, Mahant of the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple in Varanasi, and representatives from Christian, Sikh and Buddhist communities also attended the event.
Speaking at the gathering, Jaising called for action against mob lynching, alleged bulldozer demolitions and hate crimes, saying citizens should not remain silent in the face of injustice.
Meanwhile, Maulana Sufiyan Nizami also criticised the proposed demolition of Jauhar University, saying students from all communities study there and educational institutions should be kept free from political disputes.
