Hyderabad: MANUU students protest against CM Yogi’s anti-Urdu remarks

Speaking at the protest, MANUU research scholar Talha Mannan stated that the UP CM’s anti-Urdu remarks should not be viewed in isolation. "They reflect a deeply rooted anti-Muslim sentiment," he said.

Hyderabad: Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) students on Tuesday night staged a protest against the remarks made by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the State assembly, which they condemned as anti-Urdu and reflective of deeper prejudices.

Addressing the protest, a MANUU research scholar, Talha Mannan said the anti-Urdu remarks by the UP CM should not be seen in isolation. “It is a manifestation of deep-rooted anti-Muslim hatred,” he said.

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Mannan said Urdu is an integral part of India’s linguistic and cultural heritage but holds a special place among Indian Muslims due to their vast religious and intellectual literature in the language.

“Yogi’s remarks are not just about a language; they target the intellectual, political, and cultural legacy of Muslims, which is deeply embedded in Urdu,” he said.

MANUU Students Union outgoing president Mateen Ashraf highlighted Urdu’s historic role stating Urdu is the language of Mahatma Gandhi, Premchand, Chakbast, and many other luminaries. “It played a crucial role in India’s freedom movement. Yogi’s remarks not only undermine and insult this legacy but also expose deep-seated hatred against an indigenous language,” he added.

The protesting students also urged MANUU faculty and staff to raise their voices against such statements, given that MANUU is the only central university dedicated to Urdu.