Outcry in northeast India as government shuts 600 Islamic schools

NEW DELHI: A law that will close 600 Islamic schools in India’s northeastern state of Assam has caused an outcry, with critics saying authorities are trying to polarize society and create religious tension ahead of regional elections in March.

Under the new law, enacted by an administration dominated by India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and passed on Wednesday, state-run madrasas will be converted into regular schools.