UP Govt Launches Crackdown on Illegal Islamic Structures and Jihadi Sleeper Cells.

After removing 350 illegal Islamic religious structures along Nepal border, the UP Govt dismantled 142 Jihadi sleeper cells.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Lucknow | May 13, 2025:: In a major operation, the Uttar Pradesh government has dismantled 142 Jihadi sleeper cells across the state since 2017, as part of a sustained crackdown on Jihadi terrorism and organized crime. This action follows the recent demolition of over 350 unauthorized religious sites, including madrasas, mosques, mazars, and Eidgahs, along the Nepal border.

Action Against Illegal Structures

The state administration, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has launched a sweeping campaign to identify and take strict action against illegal structures. In districts such as Pilibhit, Shravasti, Balrampur, Bahraich, Siddharthnagar, Maharajganj, and Lakhimpur Kheri, authorities have systematically identified and demolished or sealed unauthorized religious sites.

Shravasti

In Shravasti, 104 madrasas, one mosque, five mazars, and two Eidgahs built illegally on public and private land were identified and sealed. One illegal madrasa on public land was demolished, and two unrecognized madrasas on private land were sealed.

Bahraich

In Bahraich, 13 madrasas, eight mosques, two mazars, and one Eidgah were identified, with five sealed and 11 demolished, including eight madrasas, two mosques, and one mazar.

Siddharthnagar

In Siddharthnagar, four mosques and 18 madrasas were identified for illegal construction. Notices were issued to these structures. Five madrasas were sealed, and nine were demolished. In total, action was taken against 23 illegal structures in the district.

Maharajganj

In Maharajganj, an unrecognized madrasa operating on Maktab land was shut down based on a report submitted by the District Minority Welfare Officer. The building’s keys were handed over to the local police station in-charge. So far, 29 madrasas and five mazars constructed through encroachment on public and private land have been demolished in the district.

Lakhimpur Kheri

In Lakhimpur Kheri, two mosques and one Eidgah on public land, along with eight madrasas on private land, were found to be illegally constructed. Of the 13 structures identified, one was served a notice, nine were sealed, and three have been demolished so far.

Pilibhit

In Pilibhit, an illegal mosque built on public land in Bharatpur village, covering an area of 0.0310 hectares, was identified. A notice has been issued to the parties involved, seeking a response within 15 days. Action against the illegal construction will be taken after the notice period ends.

Balrampur

In Balrampur, 30 madrasas, 10 mazars, and one Eidgah have been demolished in the district. Ten of them were built illegally on public land, while 20 were constructed without authorization on private land. On Sunday, an under-construction madrasa on public land in Virpur Semra village, Tulsipur tehsil, was demolished.

Dismantling Jihadi Sleeper Cells

The Uttar Pradesh government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, foreign infiltration, extremist funding, and religious radicalism. According to official sources, 230 dreaded criminals have been neutralized, and 131 active sleeper modules have been disbanded since 06

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has spearheaded intelligence-driven operations using advanced surveillance and technological tools. These operations have led to the dismantling of terror modules linked to international and domestic groups such as  LeT (Lashkar-e-Taiba , JeM ( Jaish-e-Mohammed), HM (Hizbul Mujahideen), IM-SIMI (Indian Mujahideen-Students’ Islamic Movement of India),  AQIS (Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent), ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence), ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), al-Qaeda, ABT (Ansarullah Bangla Team), JMB (Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh)and  Naxal outfits and PFI (Popular Front of India).

Terror Financing and Other Crimes

The ATS has targeted terror financing, dismantling 11 modules, arresting 41 counterfeiters, and seizing ₹47.03 lakh in fake currency. Additionally, the ATS has detained 173 illegal Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals on security grounds, busted over 20 religious conversion syndicates, and apprehended 19 cybercriminals, including four Chinese nationals involved in SIM card and identity fraud.

Preemptive Action

Significantly, the ATS has preemptively disrupted plans aimed at inciting unrest, especially those targeting communal harmony during the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

The Uttar Pradesh government’s crackdown on illegal Islamic structures and Jihadi sleeper cells demonstrates its commitment to maintaining law and order and preventing terrorism. The state’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and extremist activities serves as a model for other states to follow.
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__Inputs from Agencies.