‘Illegal mazars on KGMU campus’: Varsity orders removal in 15 days, Muslim leaders protest

KGMU Issues Ultimatum on Campus Shrines

King George's Medical University in Lucknow has taken a firm stand against what it calls unauthorised religious structures on its sprawling campus.

The administration recently pasted notices on several mazars, giving caretakers just 15 days to dismantle them voluntarily and restore the land to its original state.

Failure to comply will lead to forced demolition, with all associated costs—including police deployment and damages—recovered from those responsible.

University officials highlight how these shrines cause frequent crowding, obstructing patient movement and disrupting daily operations in this premier medical institution that serves lakhs of people annually.

Sanitation issues, security risks, and disturbances to students, resident doctors, and women staff have been flagged as major concerns in the notices, which were also sent to the district magistrate and police commissioner for support.

Background of Encroachment Dispute

These mazars have dotted the KGMU premises for decades, some drawing large crowds for annual religious events honouring Sufi saints.

However, the university insists the land is meant solely for academic, medical, and administrative purposes, viewing any unauthorised construction as a clear encroachment on public property.

The push gained momentum after a BJP leader and Uttar Pradesh minister, Abhijat Mishra, wrote to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath last week, urging swift action.

Mishra described the structures as illegal mazars and mosques on government land, linking them to security threats, violence incidents, and even alleged "love jihad" cases tied to extremist groups.

He noted a prior anti-encroachment drive in April 2025 freed around 25,000 square feet, but claimed the main structures persist, hindering hospital expansions and posing risks to the institution's secular ethos.

This mirrors a recent demolition in Bahraich, where ten illegal mazars were razed from Maharaja Suheldev Medical College's campus using bulldozers, following court orders dating back to 2002—though two registered Waqf Board shrines were spared there.

Muslim Leaders Voice Strong Opposition

The university's move has ignited backlash from Muslim community leaders, who have begun protesting the orders.

They argue the shrines hold deep cultural and religious significance, having existed peacefully for generations without prior issues.

These mazars are not new encroachments but historic sites revered by devotees; removing them forcibly would hurt sentiments and ignore their longstanding presence on the campus, demanding dialogue over demolition," said a prominent Muslim leader leading the protests.

Protesters worry about the timing, especially after the Bahraich razings, seeing it as part of a broader pattern targeting Muslim religious sites.

KGMU spokespersons counter that some shrines were already removed earlier, with the rest to follow due process to clear space for vital new constructions.

Heavy police presence is expected if deadlines pass without compliance, as authorities prioritise law and order alongside institutional needs.

The standoff at KGMU underscores tensions between preserving religious traditions and reclaiming public land for essential services, with the 15-day clock ticking amid protests and political spotlight.

Both sides remain dug in, as the university pushes for compliance and community leaders rally for reconsideration, leaving the future of these shrines uncertain.

In summary, KGMU's 15-day removal order for illegal mazars addresses encroachments disrupting operations, prompted by political pressure, while Muslim protests highlight cultural concerns—echoing similar actions in Bahraich.