Posters in Varanasi asks Non-Hindus to stay away from Ghats

• Image Credit: Internet

• Jan 8, 2022 | Deleted

Digital Desk: Posters urging non-Hindus to stay away from the Ganga's ghats and temples popped up in Varanasi, leading the police to open an investigation. The posters, which were allegedly put up by right-wing groups, are being taken down, according to police.

"The ghats and temples along Maa Ganga in Kashi are symbols of the Sanatan Dharma, Indian culture, faith, and belief. Those who have faith and belief in Sanatan Dharma are welcome. Otherwise, this is not a picnic spot," read one of the posters written in Hindi.

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"Entry Prohibited — Non-Hindus" was scrawled across the top of the poster, which followed with the words "this is not a request, but a warning." Pictures and videos of the posters, which were purportedly put up by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and its youth branch, Bajrang Dal, have also gone viral on social media asking non-Hindus to stay away from the ghats. 

According to officials, the Varanasi police have taken note of the situation and have initiated an investigation.

"The matter is being probed by the local Bhelupur police station. The people who were seen in the videos and pictures are being identified," a police official told PTI.

"So far, no written complaint has been made with the police. However, the police took note of the episode after some local groups highlighted it. The posters are being removed with their help," he added.

Varanasi, the holy city in eastern Uttar Pradesh, attracts tourists from different parts of India and worldwide. It is considered to be one of the oldest cities in the world. Varanasi is also the Lok Sabha constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

"Non-Hindus violate the purity of the ghats. That is why this warning has been issued to them," Bajrang Dal's Kashi Mahanagar coordinator Nikhil Tripathi "Rudra" told PTI.