The president of the influential Ganga Sabha in Haridwar has made a controversial demand, calling for a complete ban on the entry of non-Hindus into the sacred Kumbh Mela area and along the river banks of the holy city. Nitin Gautam, who also formerly led the district unit of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), stated that the time has come to declare the entire zone a "non-Hindu-free area."
Press Conference Sparks Controversy
Addressing a press conference in Haridwar on Sunday, Nitin Gautam put forth his demand formally. He argued that to maintain the sanctity of one of Hinduism's holiest cities, the entire Kumbh Mela area and Haridwar city should be declared a non-Hindu-free zone. His proposal extends beyond the city limits to include all river banks in Haridwar and the neighbouring pilgrimage town of Rishikesh.
Gautam based his argument on historical precedent, citing what he referred to as "British-era by-laws of the Haridwar municipality that prohibited night stays by non-Hindus." He urged the state government of Uttarakhand to enact strict new legislation to reintroduce and enforce such restrictions, which he believes are necessary for the current times.
Rationale Behind the Demand
In his statement, Gautam connected his demand to events beyond India's borders. Referring to recent reports of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and Pakistan, he claimed that while Hindus face persecution there, "intruders" are receiving benefits in India without any obstruction. He further alleged that several non-Hindus were currently living in Haridwar by concealing their true identities and urged the government to take action against them.
"This is the need of the hour," Gautam emphasized during the press meet, underscoring his belief in the urgency of the matter for the protection of the city's religious character and the safety of its Hindu pilgrims.
Historical Context and Previous Attempts
This is not the first time such a demand has been raised in Haridwar. Right-wing activists have previously voiced similar sentiments. However, this marks the first formal endorsement of the call by the Ganga Sabha, a long-established and respected body of teerth purohits (pilgrimage priests) that holds significant sway in matters related to the Ghats and rituals.
In the past, the Haridwar municipal corporation had also passed a proposal during a board meeting to frame a law that would bar non-Hindus from the iconic Har Ki Pauri area. However, that proposal did not move forward, and no concrete legislative action was taken following that resolution.
The latest demand by the Ganga Sabha president is likely to reignite a heated debate on issues of religious access, secularism, and the management of India's major pilgrimage centers. It places a renewed spotlight on how ancient holy cities navigate their identity in a modern, pluralistic democracy.
