The recent arrest of the four tech-savvy students on the suspicion that they were indulging in terrorist activities has put cell phones out of bounds for the Madrassa students and teachers of landhaura.
An edict issued by the Madrassa of landhaura—the same area from where the accused IS operatives were arrested—said no student would be allowed to use mobile phones and internet in the Islamic schools. Even the teachers must follow the same, says the edict.
An institution for the study of Islamic theology and religious law, Madrassa of landhaura village near Roorkee, known also under the name Imdadul Islam has passed a farman (edict) which states that to avoid the misuse of internet and social networking, no student entering the Madrassa will be allowed to carry mobile phones. Printed pamphlets are being distributed in the whole region which clearly advise all to desist from using internet. The edict came a few days after the four students were arrested for having got hooked to terrorist outfit IS through Facebook.
Speaking to The Pioneer, head of the institution Nazim Maulana Nawab Ali said, “It has been instructed to all people in the area that no child would use smart phone. We are distributing pamphlets as well,” he added.
Maulana said that the Muslim community as a whole is concerned over what four students of landhaura have allegedly done. “To stop such things from recurring, the parents and teachers have been instructed to keep eye on their wards so as to ensure that they are kept away from “bada phones” (smart phones),” he said.
Student of Madrasa Gulfam sounded happy. “The arrest of the four terror suspects is a lesson for us all. We just have taken a written pledge that we would not use mobiles and internet. Mobile has many disadvantages,” he said.
Another student Muntajeer of Madrasa said, “We shall strictly follow the edict given by our Nazim. I will neither use the device of whatever form, either at home or in the Madrasa.”