Maharashtra villages ban non-local Muslims from praying in mosques
New Delhi: Taking advantage of the increased hostilities against Muslims in the aftermath of last month’s Pahalgam attack, several village councils (Gram Panchayats) in Maharashtra’s Mulshi tehsil have barred non-local Muslims from offering prayers in village mosques, especially on Fridays.
According to Kashmir Media Service, this decision is seen as part of a broader effort to target and marginalise Muslims and has sparked anger online and within the Muslim community, with many calling it discriminatory and unconstitutional.
In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, the Muslim community has faced increased harassment and targeting. There have been reports of heightened surveillance, arbitrary detentions, and biased policing, leaving many feeling vulnerable and marginalised.
In the case of Maharashtra, public notices in the villages state that the decision to bar non-local Muslims from praying in village mosques was taken due to law and order concerns. A police official from Piranhut confirmed this, stating, “Outsiders increase in numbers on Fridays and this can pose a threat to law and order. Hence, only locals are allowed to pray at mosques.”
However, members of the Muslim community say the resolutions were passed without their consultation and that such moves hurt religious freedom and social harmony.
“This is deeply distressing,” said Mohammad Arif, a businessman who travels frequently to Pune. “We often stop to pray during travel. Are we now to be treated like threats?”
Community leaders warn that this decision will disrupt religious life, particularly for traveling Muslims and traders who depend on mosque access.
Many netizens have expressed outrage, pointing out that such actions only add to the discrimination faced by Muslims.
