Jaipur: The BJP-led government in Rajasthan has ignited significant unrest among the Muslim community by converting eight Urdu medium schools in Ajmer into Hindi medium institutions. The decision has sparked fierce protests, with critics viewing it as an effort to erase cultural and linguistic heritage.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, the order to convert these schools was issued by the Director of the Secondary Education Department in Bikaner. Among the schools affected are the Government Primary Urdu School Badbaav and the Government Girls High Primary Urdu School, both of which have been vital educational institutions for the community since 1941.

Local Muslims, particularly parents, have voiced their anger, labeling the move as an infringement on their rights. During a sit-in protest, a parent remarked, “Urdu is not just a language—it’s our heritage. This decision is a threat to our identity.”

The schools are located in predominantly Muslim areas, and the language shift is perceived as an effort to undermine the community’s linguistic and cultural rights. For many children, learning in Urdu is crucial to their education, and the change could limit their success.

Community leaders, including Mohammad Raza, have called for an immediate reversal of the decision, describing it as discriminatory. Shahnaz Begum, a mother of three, stressed the importance of Urdu education, stating that it is essential for preserving cultural identity.

Activists and parents are planning further protests, including a mass rally, to highlight their grievances. Protest leader Najma Khan warned that demonstrations would escalate if the government did not respond.

The decision has heightened fears of BJP’s policies against the Muslim community, with many viewing it as part of a broader agenda to marginalize their culture and heritage. The Muslim community remains steadfast in its fight for educational and cultural rights.