Kedarnath Dham: Kedarnath Dham of Uttarakhand is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites of Hinduism. Before the start of Chardham Yatra, local MLA Asha Nautiyal has raised a new controversy by demanding a ban on the entry of non-Hindus in Kedarnath.

This demand has been made in the name of preservation of religious sentiments, sanctity and traditions but it has given rise to debate at social and political level.

Question on the sanctity of the Dham

Kedarnath, where millions of devotees reach every year to have darshan of Lord Shiva. It is a major center of Hindu faith. MLA Asha Nautiyal has claimed that some non-Hindu elements are harming the dignity of this holy place. According to him, ‘Some non-Hindu people are serving meat, fish and alcohol in Kedarnath Dham, which is affecting the sanctity of this pilgrimage site.’ He also added, ‘Our effort is to identify such people and ban them. Maintaining the sanctity of the pilgrimage site is our priority.’

Controversy and opposition

This proposal has created a stir in political and social circles. Opposition parties and human rights organizations have described this demand as against the fundamental rights of the Constitution. They say that preventing any person from coming and going to a place on the basis of his religion can be illegal. The opposition has demanded the government to take a clear stand on this issue and has termed it as an attempt to divide the society on religious grounds.

At present, there has been no official statement on this demand from the state government or the administration. But if this proposal moves forward, it can not only become a matter of legal debate but can also increase social tension. Pilgrimage sites like Kedarnath attract devotees from the country and abroad.