Angry residents from all communities in Chak Majra Rehramau block the road, demanding the removal of the liquor shop placed in front of the Muslim graveyard
NEW DELHI/BARABANKI — A strong wave of protest swept through Chak Majra Rehramau village in the Barabanki district of Uttar Pradesh after the district administration allowed a licensed liquor shop to be shifted directly in front of a Muslim cemetery, sparking outrage among the residents. The incident adds to the mounting concerns about targeted disrespect and harassment of the Muslim community and their sacred places in the state under the current government.
The liquor shop, previously situated in Yogendra Verma’s market area, was relocated to a shop owned by Arvind, directly opposite the Muslim graveyard on the Bansa-Safdarganj road. The move, executed under official orders, has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Muslim community and residents of other faiths, who united in protest against what they called a blatant insult to religious sanctity.
Hundreds of men and women from across communities blocked the road, demanding that the shop be removed immediately. “It is shameful that the administration allowed a liquor shop to open right in front of our cemetery,” said Sabir Abul Hasan, a resident. “This is not just disrespect to us Muslims but to all who hold the graveyard sacred.”
Another villager, Razia Bano, added, “Such actions hurt the feelings of our community. We urge the authorities to understand that a place of worship or remembrance must be kept away from things that disturb its sanctity.”
The unrest in Barabanki is the latest in a troubling series of actions perceived by many as targeting the Muslim community. Over recent months, mosques, madrasas, tombs, and Idgahs across Uttar Pradesh have been sealed, bulldozed, or demolished. These acts, widely criticised, have drawn accusations of communal bias and deliberate attempts to marginalise the Muslim community.
Local leaders accuse the state government of encouraging an environment where Muslim religious places are deliberately disrespected. “We see our mosques, madrasas and tombs under constant threat, and now even our graveyards are not spared,” stated Mohammad Alam, another resident who attended the protest. “This government seems to be sending a clear message that Muslims have no place here.”
The liquor shop’s relocation came after the old shop’s space was taken for a marriage hall construction. Licensed to Avinash Jaiswal, the shop’s move to a new location directly opposite the cemetery was done without consulting the local community, which further inflamed tensions.
Rahul Gupta, a protester from the village, said, “This isn’t about liquor shops or business alone; it’s about respect for our dead and our religious sentiments. When such decisions are imposed without discussion, it breeds resentment and unrest.”
Upon hearing about the protests, district officials including Inspector Incharge Arun Pratap Singh and Excise Inspector Ram Shyam Tripathi rushed to the village to calm the situation. They assured the protesters that the liquor shop would be allowed to operate at its original location for one week, during which time community opinions would be sought to find a suitable new site.
Following these assurances, the protesters agreed to lift the blockade. However, they also submitted a written complaint to the District Magistrate demanding that the liquor shop be permanently moved outside the residential area.
Saleha Khatoon, who was present during the protest, remarked, “Our request is simple — keep liquor shops far from places that matter deeply to us, like cemeteries. We expect the administration to respect our wishes.”
Azimuddin, another local, said, “We Muslims are peaceful people who want to live in harmony. But how can we accept such disrespect? Our graveyards are sacred, and putting a liquor shop there is a deliberate provocation.”
The villagers’ unity across religious lines during the protest sends a strong message against divisive politics. Residents from other faiths stood alongside Muslims, opposing the liquor shop’s placement and demanding respect for all communities.
In recent months, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a series of state actions affecting Muslim religious sites. Such measures have led to fear and insecurity among Muslims, who see their faith and identity under threat. The Barabanki incident highlights the urgent need for the government to reconsider policies that alienate and hurt a large section of the population.
