Mehbooba Mufti Slams UP Government Over Jauhar University Demolition, Cites Jantar Mantar

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has criticised the Uttar Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over its decision to demolish buildings at Jauhar University in Rampur. In a statement, Mufti said the state government should 'take a lesson from Jantar Mantar', referring to the designated protest site in New Delhi where citizens gather to voice their grievances.

The demolition order was issued by the Rampur development authority, which claimed that several structures at the university were built without proper approvals. The university, run by the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, has challenged the order, stating that all buildings were constructed with due permissions.

Mehbooba Mufti, while addressing the media, accused the Yogi Adityanath government of targeting minority institutions. 'This is not the first time such actions have been taken against Muslim-run institutions in Uttar Pradesh. The government should remember that Jantar Mantar stands as a symbol of democratic protest,' she said.

The UP government has defended its action, stating that the demolition drive is part of a broader crackdown against illegal constructions across the state, regardless of community. Officials said notices were served to the university well in advance, and the demolition is being carried out as per law.

Jauhar University, established in 2002, has been at the centre of controversy before, with allegations of running an unregulated madrasa system. However, the university administration has consistently denied these claims.

The incident has sparked a political row, with opposition parties accusing the BJP-led government of selective targeting. The state government maintains that all due process was followed and that no institution is above the law.