Several village councils (Gram Panchayats) in Maharashtra’s Mulshi tehsil, including Ghotawade, Piranhut, Wadki, and Lavale, have passed controversial resolutions barring non-local Muslims from offering prayers in village mosques, especially on Fridays.
The move has sparked anger online and within the Muslim community, with many calling it discriminatory and unconstitutional.
Public notices put up in these villages say the decision was taken due to “law and order concerns.” A police official from Piranhut confirmed this, stating, “Outsiders increase in numbers on Fridays and this can pose a threat to law and order. Hence, only locals are allowed to pray at mosques.”
However, members of the Muslim community say the resolutions were passed without their consultation and that such moves hurt religious freedom and social harmony.
“This is deeply distressing,” said Mohammad Arif, a businessman who travels frequently to Pune. “We often stop to pray during travel. Are we now to be treated like threats?”
Community leaders warn the move will disrupt religious life and cause trouble for travelling Muslims and traders who rely on mosque access.
Fayaz Sheikh, Pune district president of AIMIM, strongly criticized the resolutions.
“These resolutions are unconstitutional and are an attempt to alienate and provoke Muslims,” he told Maktoob.
Many netizens have expressed outrage, pointing out that such actions only add to the discrimination faced by Muslims following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which killed 26 civilians.
No official complaint has been filed so far, but civil rights groups are considering legal action.
