Uttarakhand: Controversy erupts as boards banning non-hindus, Rohingya muslims appear in villages

New Delhi: In Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, the installation of controversial signboards banning 'non-Hindus' and 'Rohingya Muslims' from entering several villages has ignited controversy. The appearance of these boards has prompted an urgent response from state police, who have initiated an investigation into the matter amidst growing concerns over anti-minority sentiments in the region.

The controversial signboards have been found in multiple villages across Rudraprayag, including Nyalsu, Shersi, Gaurikund, Triyuginarayan, Sonprayag, Barasu, Jamu, Ariya, Ravigram, and Maikhanda. The signs, written in Hindi, state: “It is prohibited for non-Hindus/Rohingya Muslims and hawkers to do business/roam around in the village. If found anywhere in the village, punitive action will be taken.” This directive has been attributed to the gram sabha, but local leaders have expressed differing views on its origins and intentions.

Government response

Rudraprayag Circle Officer Prabodh Kumar Ghildiyal confirmed that several of these boards have been removed, and efforts are underway to identify those responsible for placing them. “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.

Pramod Singh, pradhan of Nyalsu village, explained that the boards were intended to manage the influx of hawkers, particularly during busy periods such as local yatras. Singh clarified that the boards were installed by villagers rather than the gram panchayat. “The boards were meant to prevent hawkers from entering without proper police verification. Those with valid IDs and police clearance are allowed to visit. The intent was to manage security and not to target specific communities,” Singh stated.

Chandni Devi, pradhan of Maikhanda village, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the boards were installed by locals due to concerns about the safety of women and children. “We don’t want outsiders to come into our village since there is a threat to our children and women,” Devi said.

Broader context

The appearance of these signboards comes against the backdrop of rising communal tensions in Uttarakhand. Recent violent protests in Nandanagar, Chamoli district, have exacerbated communal strife. In Nandanagar, protests led to attacks on shops owned by Muslims, forcing some families to flee the area amidst threats and violence.

Uttarakhand Director General of Police Abhinav Kumar has responded by ordering local police and intelligence units to investigate the reports of these signboards and address the broader issue of anti-minority incidents. “We have asked the intelligence and our local unit to look into such reports. If any such thing is found true, we will take appropriate action,” Kumar assured.