Rampur: Uttar Pradesh minister Azam Khan has defended functioning of madrassas saying they produce "believers and not terrorists".
Addressing the inaugural function of Madrassa Faize Hidayat here last evening, the Minister attacked certain "elements" that are "undesirably criticising" institutions imparting religious education.
"Madrassas produce believers in Allah and not terrorists. Why and for what reason certain elements have been hurling undesirable criticism against the institutions imparting 'deeni taleem' (religious education)," he said.
He also criticised the "attempts to abolish" the minority status of Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Millia University.
The minister, who has been critical of Governor Ram Naik, again targeted him for allegedly stalling the bill to "discipline mayors" and "wanting to get me dismissed".
"The constitutional head is inclined to get me dismissed but one should not forget that I am not so weak," he said.
"Some people are annoyed with me because I've established Mohammad Ali Jauhar University and several public schools in Rampur to impart world class education to Muslims, poverty-ridden, and neglected masses and that way make them conscious, fearless, and better pillars of democracy," he said.
