Nagpur: Maharashtra Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde today (Dec 16, 2003) assured the State Legislative Assembly that madrasas indulging in "anti-national" activities in the State will be dealt with as per the provisions of law.

Replying to Opposition leader in the Lower House, Narayan Rane (Shiv Sena), and others during Question Hour, Shinde intervened replies from the Minister of State for Home Kripa Shankar Singh to give specific assurance to initiate action if they found of indulging in anti-national and illegal activities.

Opposition members Rane and Gopinath Munde alleged that Rameshwar Co-operative Housing Society building on Mira Road in Mumbai, where a madrasa was located, was used for illegal activities. They wanted to know "how many Pakistani and Bangladeshi citizens were detained from Mira Road".

Singh informed the House that 43 Bangladeshi illegal migrants were detained four months back from other parts and were subsequently deported as per the court orders.

Rane alleged that these madrasas were virtually running terror camps and were funded by foreign agencies. Shinde rebutted the Opposition allegation that all madrasas were indulging in anti-national activities and justified teaching through one's own language, including those at madrasas.

In the written reply, Government admitted that Nupur Building on Mira Road was unauthorised and the developer has been served with notice but the madrasa was duly registered with Charity Commissioner.

Singh said loud speakers and unauthorised construction of additional rooms from building were removed.

PTI