No new ban on non-Hindus at Har Ki Pauri, rule existed even before Independence: Haridwar civic body

HARIDWAR: The Haridwar Municipal Corporation clarified that no new restriction has been imposed on the entry of non-Hindus in the Har Ki Pauri area, countering media reports that suggested the state government had taken a fresh decision on the issue.Municipal commissioner Nandan Kumar said that provisions restricting the entry of non-Hindus — except officials visiting the area for official work — have existed in official manuals since before India’s Independence.He said portraying the provision as a new government policy or a recent administrative order was factually incorrect.According to the Municipal Commissioner, Point Number 20 in the official manual clearly mentions the restriction on the entry of non-Hindus into the Har Ki Pauri area. He said the rule has been in place for a long time and is aimed at preserving the religious sanctity and traditional character of the revered ghat.Kumar further said recent media reports had created the impression that the state government was planning to introduce a new restriction, whereas the provision already exists and continues to be followed.The Municipal Corporation administration has appealed to the media to verify facts thoroughly before publishing reports on sensitive issues, saying inaccurate information could create unnecessary confusion among the public.