Villages in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district have installed signboards at their entrances, barring the entry of outsiders after a spate of thefts in the area.
Initially, these signboards restricted entry to "non-Hindus," but following police intervention, the language was altered to "outsiders."
Locals from villages like Sirsi, Rampur-Nyalsu, and Fata took this step about 20-25 days ago to deter unfamiliar individuals and vendors, claiming it was necessary to "safeguard their homes and temples".
A resident of Fata mentioned that the community felt "compelled to act after repeated thefts".
Prabodh Ghildiyal, Deputy Superintendent of Police in Rudraprayag, said that no one would be allowed to disrupt social harmony.
"As soon as the police were made aware, we took necessary action and had these signboards removed. If such incidents occur again, we will act. No religiously-biased signboards will be permitted," he maintained.
The move comes amidst simmering tensions in the region. Recently, in Chamoli's Nandnagar area, a minor girl accused a man from another community, working as a barber, of making obscene gestures.
This sparked protests, with locals targeting shops belonging to that community.
Following these tensions, representatives of the barber's community met Director General of Police Abhinav Kumar, alleging discrimination.
This prompted the Rudraprayag police to act, urging for the removal of divisive signboards and maintaining social harmony.
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