Lucknow: All India Muslim Jamaat chief Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi has criticised the installation of signboards in Haridwar which allegedly restrict the entry of non Hindus at religious sites. He described the move as communal and harmful to Hindu Muslim unity.
In a statement, Razvi said Har Ki Pauri and other sacred locations in Haridwar have for generations remained open spaces of worship and ritual. People of different faiths have visited these sites while observing their own beliefs. He said religious programmes and customs deserve respect and protection.
Razvi expressed concern over reports of boards placed at several locations declaring non Hindus are not allowed to enter. He stated such actions promote division and embolden communal forces. According to him, these measures weaken mutual trust and damage social harmony in a city revered by millions.
Referring to India’s shared history, Razvi said the country’s social fabric rests on coexistence. Hindus and Muslims have lived together for centuries and faced major historical moments together, from the uprising of 1857 to the freedom struggle. He said this legacy demands inclusive public spaces.
He warned the boards encourage hostility and exclusion. He urged authorities to remove them without delay so religious and public places remain open to all citizens. Razvi also called on the Uttarakhand government and the Haridwar municipal administration to clarify their role in the matter.
He said silence or delay would deepen mistrust and fear. According to him, equal access to public spaces reflects constitutional values and long standing traditions of unity. He stressed Haridwar should remain a symbol of shared respect rather than separation.
