New Delhi: A decision by the Hindutva outfit, Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP), to ban non-Hindu vendors, including Muslims, from setting up shops at the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh has sparked widespread criticism.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the advisory that discourages purchasing essentials from Muslim-owned shops was followed by an announcement permitting only Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain vendors to trade during the Maha Kumbh Mela, scheduled from January 13 to February 26, 2025, in Prayagraj. A final meeting on the matter is expected next week.

ABAP President Mahant Ravindra Puri stated that the restriction was not due to religious animosity but aimed at addressing “devotees’ sentiments” concerning alleged food contamination incidents. The upcoming Mahakumbh is anticipated to draw millions, and preparations are already underway.

In response, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, President of All India Muslim Jamaat, condemned the move, calling it a step that undermines India’s secular principles and fosters social division. He remarked that the decision undermines religious tolerance and could lead to societal division. Razvi further urged the Uttar Pradesh government to take action, warning that such divisive measures could have serious repercussions for the nation’s unity.

Despite the militarization, the people of Kashmir continue their peaceful struggle for self-determination, highlighting that India’s military presence cannot alter the region’s disputed status. The international community’s continued indifference to the plight of Kashmiris raises questions about how long this situation will persist.