UP minority panel summons official of Darul Uloom, DM

Lucknow: Following uproar over Darul Uloom Deoband notice to its student who are taking courses in subjects like English from other institutions while they are enrolled with the Islamic seminary, the state minority commission has summoned manager of the education department (naazim majlis taaleem) of Darul Uloom Deoband and also has asked district magistrate Saharanpur to remain physically present along with probe report in front of commission chairperson.According to the notice issued by secretary of the commission Shakeel Ahmad Siddiqui, “It has come to the notice of Uttar Pradesh Commission for Minorities chairperson Ashfaq Saifi through media reports that a written circular was issued by Darul Uloom Deoband, instructing students that they cannot take education in any other medium like English. The commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the matter.”“Both the officials of Darul Uloom Deoband and DM Dinesh Chandra have to be present by 12 noon on June 21 and present the facts of the matter to the commission chairperson,” read the notice.Speaking to TOI, chairperson of commission for minorities Ashfaq Saifi said, "Darul Uloom Deoband circular is a clear cut violation of right to education as well as Article 21 of the Constitution which defines right to life and personal liberty. We have given them an opportunity to explain their stand."Circular issued by the education department of Darul Uloom Deoband read, "Students enrolled in Darul Uloom Deoband will not be allowed to get any additional education (English, etc). And if any student is found engaged in this act or if it is known through credible sources that a student is getting additional education, then that student will be expelled."