Rights groups, netizens criticise play in Dehradun portraying Muslims’ negatively
Dehradun: A controversial stage performance presented during a public event here has sparked widespread criticism after it portrayed Muslims as villains and interfaith marriage as a dangerous conspiracy.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the play was staged during a programme titled “Virat Hindu Sammelan” on Sahastradhara Road in the Karanpur area of Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand state of India.
Video clips of the performance were circulated widely on social media soon after the event. Many viewers described the play as an attempt to spread hatred against Muslims and to create suspicion about relationships between people of different faiths.
Several rights advocates and community voices said the incident raises serious concerns about the use of public gatherings and cultural performances to spread narratives that target minority communities.
According to information shared by local sources and social media users who attended the gathering, the programme was organised by Hindutva groups under the banner of the “Virat Hindu Sammelan”.
The event included speeches by leaders associated with organisations such as VHP-Bajrang Dal, including activist Vikas Verma.
However, the theatrical performance became the most widely discussed element of the gathering after videos began circulating online.
A resident who watched the video said, “The play clearly shows Muslims negatively and tries to create fear about them. That is why people are reacting strongly.”
In the stage performance, a Muslim youth is shown hiding his religious identity while forming a romantic relationship with a Hindu girl.
The story shows the young man later convincing the girl to marry him, with the relationship presented as part of a deceptive plan.
Critics say this portrayal reinforces a conspiracy theory that has repeatedly been questioned by investigators and government officials.
In one scene from the play, the Muslim youth’s father praises his son for marrying the Hindu girl.
According to dialogue in the performance, the father tells him that the marriage would bring financial benefits, mentioning an amount of “five lakh rupees”, and encourages him to continue exploiting the situation.
Many viewers said such scenes misrepresent Muslim family life and Islamic teachings.
A member of the Muslim community in Dehradun said, “Islam strictly forbids dowry and exploitation in marriage. Showing Muslim families discussing money like this is completely false and insulting.”
Another resident said, “The script tries to show Muslims as greedy and dishonest people. It spreads misunderstanding about our faith.”
The play also included scenes showing the Muslim family assaulting the woman and threatening extreme violence.
In the storyline, the woman is shown being threatened with being cut into pieces. The performance ends with the woman killing her Muslim husband.
During the final scene, the woman is portrayed as drawing inspiration from characters in Hindu mythology and historical narratives, presenting her action as heroic.
Critics said this ending appears to frame Muslims as dangerous enemies and portrays violence as justified.
One viewer wrote on social media, “Drama should promote understanding, but this play spreads fear and hatred between communities.”
Community members said the play also presented Islamic traditions inaccurately.
Islamic teachings forbid the practice of dowry, and scholars say that marriage in Islam involves responsibilities and conditions.
Some critics also said the play referred to multiple marriages without explaining the strict conditions required under Islamic law.
A local teacher in Dehradun said, “These scenes misrepresent Islam. Many people who watch such plays may think they are true, but they are not.”
The narrative presented in the play contrasts with official statements made by the Indian government.
