Amid growing demands for a ban on the entry of non-Hindus at all Ganga ghats under the Haridwar Kumbh area, the Ganga Sabha has said the restriction should not be limited only to devotees. The organisation has demanded that the ban should also apply to government departments, institutions and media personnel.
Nitin Gautam, president of the Ganga Sabha, which manages Har Ki Pauri and nearby ghats, urged the district information officer of Haridwar and officials of other departments to ensure that no non-Hindu person is allowed to enter Har Ki Pauri. He said the rule should be strictly followed by everyone.
“Whether it is a government department, an institution or a media person, the entry of all non-Hindus should be prohibited at these places in the Kumbh area,” Gautam said on Wednesday. He stressed that Sanatan traditions, the religious identity of Ganga Maa and the sanctity of Har Ki Pauri are of the highest importance.
He further said the Haridwar Municipal Corporation bylaws of 1916 were framed keeping these religious sentiments in mind. According to him, these bylaws already prohibit the entry of non-Hindus at Har Ki Pauri and the nearby Ganga ghats.
Gautam referred to an incident that took place on Tuesday at Har Ki Pauri, where two youths were seen roaming around and making videos while dressed as Arab sheikhs. He said such acts show that some people are trying to spoil the atmosphere by entering the area in disguise, which will not be tolerated.
It may be noted that recently the Ganga Sabha and the community of saints have demanded that all Ganga ghats under the Kumbh Mela area, including Har Ki Pauri and the surrounding ghats, be declared restricted areas for non-Hindus. The state government is seriously considering this demand.
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