Ganga Sabha objects to activities at Haridwar ghat, questions entry and conduct; Muslim voices raise concerns over dignity and intent
HARIDWAR —A controversy has erupted in Uttarakhand’s Haridwar after a group described as ‘ex-Muslims’ reached Har Ki Pauri and publicly adopted Hinduism, leading to objections from local authorities and concern among members of the Muslim community.
According to reports, the group began a padyatra from Gangapur Barrage in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor district and reached Haridwar on Sunday. At the ghat, several participants took part in rituals and announced their decision to adopt Hinduism. The event took place in the presence of local police.
The development led to immediate objections from the Ganga Sabha, the body responsible for managing the Har Ki Pauri area. Office-bearers of the sabha alleged that some individuals entered the Brahmakund area wearing Muslim caps and carrying banners, which they said affected the sanctity of the religious site.
A representative of the sabha said, “Such activities at a sacred place raise serious concerns. There may be an attempt to disturb the religious environment. We are considering legal action against those involved.”
The organisation also raised questions about the role of a religious figure present at the event and demanded action.
Participants of the padyatra, however, defended their actions. One of them, Imroz Alam, said the march aimed to highlight the rights of individuals who choose to leave or change their religion. He said, “India is a constitutional country where every citizen has equal rights and freedom of expression. A person should be free to live according to their beliefs.”
He added, “I am not against followers of any religion, but there should be no extremism. People should live with mutual respect and within the framework of the Constitution.”
Another participant, Kuldeep Vidyarthi, said, “These people have chosen to follow a different path. In this country, everyone has the freedom to adopt any belief they find right.”
However, several Muslim community members expressed deep concern over the manner in which the event was conducted and the statements made against Islam.
A local Muslim resident said, “Freedom of choice is part of the Constitution, but insulting a religion or hurting sentiments in the name of such events is not acceptable.”
Another community member said, “We respect everyone’s right to choose their faith, but such public actions and remarks can create misunderstanding and tension in society.”
The incident has once again raised questions about how religious freedom is exercised in public spaces and how such events are carried out without affecting communal harmony.
Observers say that while the Constitution guarantees the right to practise, profess and propagate religion, it also places responsibility on individuals and groups to ensure that their actions do not disturb public order or hurt the sentiments of others.
As tensions continue, authorities are expected to review the situation and decide whether any legal steps are required.
