Haridwar, Jan. 11 -- A fresh stir erupted in Haridwar after priests, associated with the Ganga Sabha - the managing body of the sanctum sanctorum of Brahmakund at Har-Ki-Pauri - were found checking identity cards of vendors, labourers and other visitors at the ghats to allegedly verify their religious identity. They claimed that the exercise was aimed at maintaining the sanctity and security of the shrine area. The Sabha had earlier demanded that the state government should prohibit the entry, stay and commercial activities of non-Hindus in the Kumbh Mela zone, including Har-Ki-Pauri and adjoining Ganga ghats. Ujjwal Pandit, secretary of the Ganga Sabha, said: "The presence of non-Hindus at the shrine area and adjoining ghats can hurt the sentiments of devotees and also pose security concerns." High court lawyer Kartikeya Hari Gupta said that restricting a person's business activity or presence in a particular area on the basis of religion is "unconstitutional" and "unlawful". "No such law exists. Even if such a law is enacted, it would have to withstand scrutiny by constitutional courts. The only exception is that, in the interest of the general public, the state may impose reasonable restrictions on the right to free movement guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution of India," he said, adding that the police should intervene in the matter and act independently. Police officials said no complaints have been received regarding the issue. Opposing the move, Rao Affaq Ali, former vice-chairperson of Haridwar Zila Panchayat, said such steps could harm communal harmony....