Authorities make IDs mandatory for participation in Bhopal Garba events

The first such move came after some garba organisers put up banners banning the entry of Muslims, warning that anyone found violating the ban would be subjected to ghar wapsi

The authorities have made identity cards mandatory for participation in garba events during the ongoing Navratri festivities in Madhya Pradesh’s Bhopal, even as state minister Vishwas Sarang said only Hindus should be allowed to participate in these religious events.

An order asked garba organisers to bar people without identity cards from entering their venues. (PTI/Representative)

The first such move came after some garba organisers put up banners banning the entry of Muslims, warning that anyone found violating the ban would be subjected to ghar wapsi (religious conversion). People aware of the matter said the administration took note of these developments and issued the identity card mandate as a preventive measure.

In an order, district collector Kaushlendra Vikram Singh asked garba organisers to bar people without identity cards from entering their venues, install CCTV cameras to monitor activities, ensure public safety, firefighting equipment, and adherence to safety norms. They have also been asked to arrange first aid.

“The organising committee should ensure that no person carries any suspicious/objectionable object or sharp weapon at the venue...nor use/display it,” said the order.