Signboards prohibiting the entry of “non-Hindus,” Rohingya Muslims, and hawkers have reportedly been erected throughout Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. An image of one such signboard, which surfaced on social media on Sunday, read, “Non-Hindus, Rohingya Muslims and hawkers are prohibited from doing business and roaming around in the village. If found, punitive action will be taken.” The sign was placed outside Nyalsu village, as reported by ABP News. Initially, it was claimed that this directive was issued by the local gram sabha, but Nyalsu village pradhan, Pramod Singh, clarified to the Hindustan Times that the villagers, not the gram panchayat, installed it.
Singh mentioned that similar signs have been posted in other villages across Uttarakhand, including Shersi, Gaurikund, Triyuginarayan, and more. The issue gained attention after two Muslim organizations—Muslim Seva Sangathan and AIMIM—met with Uttarakhand’s Director General of Police (DGP) Abhinav Kumar on September 5 to express their concerns over increasing anti-minority incidents.
Singh explained that these boards aim to prevent hawkers from entering without police verification, especially since many village men are away during the yatra season, leaving women alone. Chandni Devi, pradhan of Maikhanda village, echoed these sentiments, claiming the boards are meant to protect children and women.
Prabodh Kumar Ghildiyal, Rudraprayag Circle Officer, confirmed that several of these signboards have been removed and efforts are underway to identify those responsible. Meanwhile, DGP Abhinav Kumar has ordered local police and intelligence units to investigate reports of such boards appearing in multiple villages.
Original Story https://www.livemint.com/news/india/nonhindus-rohingya-muslims-prohibited-boards-put-up-in-uttarakhand-villages-11725779573069.html
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