Dehradun: Allegations of Demographic Manipulation as IMA-Adjacent Land Sold to Muslim Trust

Dehradun: A controversy has resurfaced in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, regarding the allocation and sale of land to an Islamic trust near the Indian Military Academy (IMA). The issue has reignited political debates as the state gears up for the Uttarakhand Assembly Elections 2027.

Background of the Controversy

The case involves the Sheikh-ul-Hind Education Charitable Trust, headed by Dr. Mahmood Asad Madni, affiliated with Darul Uloom and Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind. In 2004, the Congress government under Narayana Datt Tiwari initially allotted land to the trust to establish an Islamic educational institute near IMA Dehradun, similar in concept to a madrasa or Muslim university inspired by Deoband Darul Uloom.

The land, totaling 20 acres in Gram Hariyawala, Dhaulas Pachuwa, Doon Pargana, Vikasnagar, was acquired from local farmers. Reports suggest that portions of the land also included government plots under the forest department.

IMA Raises Objections

When the IMA became aware of the planned institute, objections were raised with the then Congress government, resulting in months-long delays. Subsequently, with a change in state government, the matter cooled down but resurfaced when Congress returned to power, pushing for the institute’s development.

The trust approached the Uttarakhand High Court for relief, but the court upheld IMA’s objections. The High Court explicitly directed that the land remain agricultural, even if sold, and proceeds should only be used for social purposes.

Recent Developments: Sale of Land

Despite the High Court orders, the trust allegedly granted Power of Attorney to a local individual, Rais Ahmed, to subdivide the land and sell plots. Reports indicate that 15 large plots have already been sold, later subdivided and distributed among 70–80 individuals of a specific community, many of whom are not Uttarakhand residents.

This has raised suspicions of an attempted demographic shift near the IMA area. Local villagers had reported concerns to district authorities as far back as 2016, but administrative inaction allowed the sale to continue.

Political and Administrative Response

During the 2022 Assembly elections, the BJP had previously questioned the Congress over plans for a Muslim university in Uttarakhand. Congress leaders, including Akil Ahmed, had promised the university if elected, sparking political criticism.

Currently, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has acknowledged the issue and sought reports from district authorities. The District Magistrate, Savin Bansal, confirmed preliminary investigations revealing the large-scale sale of land in violation of court orders. Notices are being issued under the UP Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, Sections 166 and 167, and steps are underway to bring the land under state control.

“We will ensure that any attempt to manipulate the demographic composition of Uttarakhand will not succeed,” stated Chief Minister Dhami.