In Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, a senior Muslim cleric has issued an appeal to the Muslim community to avoid Navratri fairs and Garba events, citing safety concerns amidst growing communal tensions. This comes after right-wing Hindu groups, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, issued strict guidelines banning non-Hindus from Garba pandals and warning of consequences if Muslims were found attending these events.
The Qazi of Ratlam, Mohammad Syed Quazi Ahmad Ali, made a written appeal, urging Muslims, especially women and young people, to stay away from the festivities. In his statement, the Qazi said, “Given the current atmosphere where Garba organizers are openly barring non-Hindus and threatening to ‘teach lessons’ to Muslims found at the events, it’s in the best interest of Muslims to avoid these gatherings for their safety and to maintain communal peace.”
Ratlam, a district with a significant Muslim population, has seen banners outside Garba pandals warning that non-Hindus are not welcome. Local VHP leader Gaurav Sharma and Garba organizer Pappu Purohit defended these actions, stating, “Garba is a religious festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, meant for those who believe in idol worship. The ban ensures non-Hindus, particularly Muslims, are kept out to prevent issues like ‘love jihad.’”
Many Muslim residents, including Afaq Khilji and Iqrar Chaudhary, expressed support for the Qazi’s appeal, believing it would help avoid conflicts and maintain peace between the communities. However, some individuals like Divya Sharma, a Hindu resident, questioned the effectiveness of the appeal, asking if there would be any consequences for Muslims who defy the Qazi’s advice.
Meanwhile, the VHP and Bajrang Dal have circulated an 11-point guideline for Garba organizers. These guidelines aim to keep non-Hindus out of the pandals. They’ve requested local authorities to ensure compliance with these rules and allow Garba events to run until 12:30 a.m.
