“They produce criminals” Tripura BJP MLA demands closure of Madrasas, sparks uproar

Agartala: The statement of BJP MLA Shambhu Lal Chakma in the assembly on Thursday charging Madrasa of producing terrorists has triggered serious reaction across the state while Tripura Madrasa Teachers Association (TMTA) and other Muslim bodies demanded action against Chakma unless he proves the allegation.

Chakma told the assembly, “I appeal to the Chief Minister to close down all Madrasa in Tripura because they cannot produce doctors, engineers, teachers and a good human being. Until Madrasas are not shut down we cannot stop producing criminals. I am sure sooner or later, Madrasas will be stopped.”

TMTA condemned the statement of BJP MLA and sought proof in favour his allegations, otherwise to seek apology immediate or else, they will approach the appropriate forum seeking justice and violation of constitutional mandate by a lawmaker in the floor of the assembly and added, “We have enough records how many doctors and engineers of Tripura Madrasas have produced so far who are becoming internationally reputed but no record of any criminals.”

“Since MLA Chakma spoke against Madrasas in the most objectionable manner and requested Chief Minister to close Madrasas down, we demand the CM to seek a probe from the MLA and make it public immediately. We are teachers and committed to help the society to grow but he insulted the teaching community as a whole and Madrasa in particular without any basis,” said TMTA President Abdul Alim.

Apart from that other Muslim organisations have also separately demanded proof from the MLA and demanded the government to take action against Chakma unless he provides the details in support of his claim.

They further observed that such a statement was nothing but a desperate attempt at de-cementing the communal harmony and peaceful co-existence, which would not be allowed in Tripura.

Meanwhile, the ruling Tipra Motha Chief in Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (ADC) and royal scion Pradyot Kishore Debbarman said calling every Madrasa a centre for terrorists indeed shocking. If MLA has data to provide evidence that every Madrasa is the hub of terrorists then he should provide them to NIA. He must have some information that others don't have, Debbarman questioned. To those who are defending the language of MLA regarding his utterance about Madrasa in Tripura, have you thought about how much of these statements encourage the fundamentalists in Bangladesh to counter the minorities there? Sometimes, I feel that there is a fixed match on both sides of the border, Pradyot observed.

On the other, MLA Shambhu Lal Chakma on Friday claimed that he received a threat on social media after raising demand in the assembly for the closure of Madrasas.

In a video circulating on social media platforms, a person, who looked like a security man in uniform, was seen delivering the threat to the MLA holding a knife in his hand.

Police said an investigation has been launched against the video. (UNI)