Posters declaring “Muslims Prohibited” have been put up at the Goga Mahadi religious complex in Saharanpur, triggering debate over access to public places of worship, after members of a local organisation said the move was necessary to preserve the sanctity of the site.
The posters were installed around the Ganga Sarovar pond area within the complex by members of the Goga Mahadi Sudhar Sabha, according to local reports. Anil Pratap Saini, chairman of the Sabha, confirmed that his organisation was responsible for putting up the notices.
Saini said the decision followed complaints from devotees about certain visitors allegedly bringing non-vegetarian food into the premises, littering the area, and approaching idols while wearing footwear. “We intend to maintain the sanctity of the religious place,” he said. “The purpose of these posters is to protect the dignity and sanctity of the religious site.”
ccording to Saini, the Sabha had earlier staged a protest over these concerns and held discussions with the local administration. He said authorities had agreed to several demands, including the installation of barricades around the pond and idols, restrictions on outside food being brought into the premises, and the renaming of the Ganga Sarovar as “Shri Goraksh Ganga Ghat.” The Sabha ended its protest following those assurances, after which the posters were put up.
District authorities in Saharanpur have not issued any statement on the posters, either confirming or questioning their legality. No inquiry has been announced. The posters remain in place at the time of publication.
