Special Correspondent
Pune :In the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, residents of Pirangut village near Pune have taken a significant step to strengthen local security. In a village meeting held on May 1, it was unanimously decided to restrict the entry of non-local Muslims into the village mosque for Friday prayers and other congregations. A public notice board (flex) has also been installed outside the mosque to inform visitors of the decision.
According to locals, the mosque was witnessing overcrowding far beyond its capacity, particularly on Fridays. Many of those attending lacked identification documents, raising security concerns. The decision to implement the restriction was made jointly by village residents and with the presence of local Muslim community members.
Pirangut Police Patil Prakash Pawale confirmed the development and stated, “A meeting was held where people from all communities, including Muslims, were present. On Fridays, a large number of outsiders were attending prayers, leading to traffic congestion. Local students from nearby colleges even complained that they couldn’t use the road freely. When we spoke to the mosque leaders, they clarified that these people were not from the village but had started coming in only over the last few Fridays. Hence, the gram sabha decided to restrict entry to outsiders.”
Moving forward, identity verification of Friday attendees will be carried out by locals to ensure only resident Muslims are allowed entry for prayers.
However, the decision has also sparked controversy and internal disagreement. Aamir, a trustee of the Pirangut mosque, claimed that while he was present at the meeting, he was not informed that such a resolution would be passed. “How can a religious place deny entry to people based on where they come from?” he questioned.
The flex banner installed outside the mosque reads:
> “To all Muslim brothers coming from outside: A special resolution passed jointly by the villagers of Pirangut and local Muslim residents states that, in light of recent security concerns, only resident Muslims of Pirangut will be allowed to offer prayers inside the village mosque.
Muslims from neighboring villages, outsiders, or those temporarily residing in the area for business or work purposes are requested not to enter the mosque.
The overcrowding is disrupting local law and order and peace in the village. Henceforth, only local Muslims will be permitted to offer prayers at the mosque.”
This move has opened up debates around religious freedom, security, and social harmony. All eyes are now on the local administration’s response to this unprecedented decision.
