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New Delhi, In an unsettling display of Islamophobia, a cafe in New Delhi reportedly barred entry to hijab-wearing Muslim women, sparking outrage and highlighting a pattern of discriminatory behavior in Modi’s India.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the incident occurred during lunchtime at Marbia Café, located near Jamia Millia Islamia University in South Delhi’s New Friends Colony. One of the women involved recounted that upon attempting to enter the cafe without a reservation, they were informed by the receptionist that “burqas are not allowed.” Despite their willingness to book a table immediately, they were effectively turned away due to their attire.
The woman expressed her disbelief and frustration, noting that while other religious symbols are accepted in public spaces, the hijab apparently was not. This exclusionary policy at the cafe came as a surprise to her and her companions, who left the venue without further confrontation.
Following the incident, the victims contacted the cafe to verify the policy. The cafe’s response reaffirmed their stance on not allowing hijabs inside, simply stating it as “their policy” without providing further justification.
This episode is part of a larger disturbing trend in India where hijab-wearing women and students face increasing harassment. In 2022, the state of Karnataka saw significant backlash when hijab-wearing students were barred from entering their classrooms, a policy enacted by the local BJP-led government. Similarly, in January of this year, BJP Minister Kirori Lal Meena from Rajasthan advocated for a statewide school hijab ban, followed by a February incident in a Jodhpur government school where students were denied entry because of their hijabs.
These instances reflect a growing climate of intolerance and discrimination against Muslims in certain parts of India, raising concerns about the erosion of secular and inclusive values in the public sphere.