In a bold endorsement of Uttarakhand’s decision to restrict non-Hindu access to the sacred Char Dham sites—Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leaders have called for similar measures across all Hindu pilgrimage centers in India. The controversy erupted as temple authorities moved to preserve the sanctity of these revered locations, drawing sharp reactions from various quarters.
VHP’s international joint general secretary, Dr. Surendra Jain, issued a strongly worded statement praising the move. ‘This is a vital step to safeguard religious purity and age-old traditions,’ he declared. Jain urged that the restriction be extended to every Hindu tirtha in the country, not just these four. He referenced a recent incident in Ayodhya where an individual allegedly attempted to desecrate the holy site, labeling it an unforgivable offense.
Responding to criticism from Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani, who condemned the ban as divisive, Jain fired back with a pointed analogy. ‘Madani speaks of harmony but spews venom,’ he said. ‘True harmony would mean daring to recite Hanuman Chalisa in Mecca, just as Ayodhya is sacred to us as Mecca is to them. If non-Muslims are barred from Mecca, why should our temples be open?’
Jain accused the Jamiat of fostering radicalism, tracing its roots to the Khilafat movement and labeling Deoband as a breeding ground for extremism influenced by Wahhabi ideology. He highlighted recurring attacks on temples, stone-pelting during Hindu processions, and violence against women, asserting that such aggression defines jihadist behavior, not Hindus.
Citing a list of 187 Hindus lynched by mobs since last year—including recent cases like Khetaram Bheel in Barmer, Sitaram in Bhilwara, Tejaram in Bareilly, and Jayanti Bhati in Gujarat—Jain promised to release a comprehensive report soon. ‘The world suffers from jihadist frenzy,’ he added, pointing to inflammatory slogans in the US and UK. ‘Jamiat defends terror accused in courts yet preaches peace—hypocrisy at its peak.’
Emphasizing India’s identity as a Hindu nation that accommodates all faiths, Jain urged respect for Hindu sentiments. ‘Muslim countries lack the tolerance Hindus show. Honor our feelings, don’t insult them,’ he concluded, rallying support for protecting sacred spaces amid rising tensions.