A wave of controversy has swept across Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district after signboards barring the entry of “non-Hindus,” Rohingya Muslims, and hawkers were reportedly put up in various villages. The signboards, which surfaced on social media, carried a stark message: “Non-Hindus, Rohingya Muslims and hawkers are prohibited to do business and roam around in the village. If found anywhere in the village, punitive action will be taken.” This incident has raised serious concerns about the rising tide of anti-minority sentiment in the state.
The signboards were reportedly installed outside the Nyalsu village, and initially, it was claimed that the directive had come from the gram sabha (village council). However, Nyalsu village pradhan Pramod Singh clarified that the villagers, not the gram panchayat, had put up the signboard. Singh further revealed that similar banners had been erected in several other villages across Uttarakhand, including Shersi, Gaurikund, Triyuginarayan, Sonprayag, Barasu, Jamu, Ariya, Ravigram, and Maikhanda.
The issue came to light after two Muslim delegations – from the Muslim Seva Sangathan and AIMIM – approached Uttarakhand Director General of Police (DGP) Abhinav Kumar on September 5, expressing their concerns about the growing number of anti-minority incidents in the state.
While villagers defend their actions, citing concerns about safety and security, their explanations have been met with skepticism. Singh stated that the signboards were installed to prevent hawkers from entering the villages without police verification, especially during the pilgrimage season. “Most men of our village are dependent on the yatra, and therefore, they live in Gaurikund and Sonprayag during the yatra. The women are in the houses alone,” he said. “Many hawkers come to the village without a valid ID and police verification. Those with verification have been regularly visiting the village, they are not stopped. If hawkers commit any crime and flee, they can’t be traced.”
Chandni Devi, pradhan of Maikhanda village, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “We don’t want outsiders to come into our village since there is a threat to our children and women.”
However, the police have taken a strong stance against the signboards, viewing them as discriminatory and illegal. Rudraprayag Circle officer Prabodh Kumar Ghildiyal confirmed that the police had removed several signboards and were working to identify the individuals responsible for putting them up. “It came to light that such boards have come up in some villages. We have been removing them. Some have already been removed from a few villages. We are also trying to ascertain the identities of those who have put up these boards,” Ghildiyal said.
Uttarakhand Director General of Police (DGP) Abhinav Kumar also ordered local police and intelligence units to investigate the reports of signboard installations in multiple villages. This incident has highlighted the importance of addressing rising anti-minority sentiments and ensuring equal rights and protection for all citizens. The police intervention and investigation are crucial steps towards ensuring that such discriminatory practices are not tolerated and that the law prevails over prejudice.
