Har ki Pauri in Haridwar Displays Boards Prohibiting Non-Hindu Entry
The Ganga Sabha has installed prominent boards at Haridwar's sacred Har ki Pauri ghat. These boards clearly state that non-Hindus are banned from entering the Ganga ghats. This action follows recent demands to restrict access exclusively to Hindu devotees.
Ganga Sabha President Cites Historical Agreement
Nitin Gautam, president of the Ganga Sabha which manages the ghat, strongly reiterated his position. He emphasized that any area within the Kumbh Mela limits should remain off-limits for non-Hindus. The Kumbh Mela is scheduled for early 2027 in Haridwar.
Gautam referenced a 1916 agreement with the British government to support his demand. He pointed to regulations reportedly established under the guidance of Pt Madan Mohan Malviya. These regulations allegedly restricted both entry and residence of non-Hindus in the Har ki Pauri area.
The Sabha president now wants these restrictions extended to cover all remaining ghats along the river.
Uttarakhand Government Reviews the Situation
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami addressed the matter publicly. He acknowledged that Haridwar holds deep historical, religious, and cultural significance for Hindus. The government is currently deliberating on this sensitive issue.
"We are in ongoing talks with all stakeholders," Dhami stated. He mentioned discussions with Ganga Sabha members, religious organization representatives, and revered saints. The government is carefully reviewing all existing laws and regulations related to Haridwar and other pilgrimage sites.
Political Reactions and Constitutional Concerns
Critics have immediately called the move unconstitutional. Samajwadi Party leader S T Hasan voiced strong opposition. "The country is for everyone, not only for one particular community," he asserted.
Hasan emphasized that according to the Constitution, any Indian citizen can travel freely throughout the country. He argued that such discussions should be stopped as they spread hatred in society.
Uttarakhand BJP president Mahendra Bhatt presented a different perspective. He stated that "Sanatan" sentiments should be respected regarding entry in the Haridwar Kumbh area. Bhatt accused the Opposition of practicing appeasement politics.
"This rule has already been self-established there," Bhatt claimed. He insisted that everyone should follow the traditions set by religious heads and the local priest community.
Incident Involving YouTubers Sparks Renewed Debate
The discussion gained fresh momentum after a recent video surfaced. The video showed two men dressed in Arab-style clothing roaming around Har ki Pauri on Tuesday.
Local priests noticed them in this attire and asked them not to visit dressed that way. The youths reportedly responded that they could roam anywhere in India. After people objected, the youths changed their clothes and left the location.
Authorities identified the duo as Naveen Kumar and Prince, who operate a YouTube channel. Police took action against both individuals under the Police Act.
Previous Statements from Local Representatives
Earlier this month, when the Sabha initially sought the ban, Manglaur MLA Qazi Nizamuddin responded. He stated that non-Hindus had never violated the existing bylaws restricting entry at Har ki Pauri.
However, Nizamuddin expressed practical concerns about extending restricted areas. "It is not practical to extend the area to other parts of the city," he explained. He noted there is no clarity on which areas would be limited.
The MLA highlighted that Jwalapur within municipal limits has a sizable Muslim population. This demographic reality complicates any blanket restrictions across broader city areas.
The installation of these boards has ignited a complex debate. It touches on religious traditions, constitutional rights, and practical governance in one of India's most sacred pilgrimage cities.
