The police in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar district have issued an order regarding the upcoming Kanwar Yatra Rule. According to the directive, all shop owners along the Kanwar Yatra route must prominently display their names outside their establishments. This measure aims to avoid confusion and ensure transparency during the religious procession.

The Kanwar Yatra, an annual pilgrimage undertaken by Lord Shiva devotees, is scheduled to begin on July 22. As part of the preparations, Muzaffarnagar Police has instructed all food joints, hotels, dhabas, and roadside carts within their jurisdiction (spanning approximately 240 km) to prominently display the names of their proprietors or those running the shop. Senior Superintendent of Police Abhishek Singh emphasized that this step aims to prevent any confusion among the kanwariyas (pilgrims) and preempt potential allegations that could lead to law and order issues.

AIMIM Chief's Concerns Over Kanwar Yatra Rule

However, the directive has sparked controversy. Opposition parties have drawn parallels between this move and historical instances of discrimination. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi raised concerns, stating that the order might inadvertently lead to religious bias. He likened it to apartheid practices in South Africa and the Nazi-initiated “Judenboycott” in Hitler’s Germany.

Kanwar Yatra Rule
Image Source: AIMIM Uttar Pradesh

Apartheid involves a legally sanctioned system of racial segregation where one group is systematically deprived of political and civil rights. In contrast, “Judenboycott” refers to the Nazi regime’s boycott of Jewish businesses starting in April 1933.

Bollywood lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar also questioned the necessity of such instructions. He tweeted, “Muzaffarnagar UP police has given instructions that on the route of a particular religious procession in the near future, all shops, restaurants, and even vehicles should show the owner’s name prominently and clearly. Why? In Nazi Germany, they used to mark only specific shops and houses.”

Amid the ensuing debate on social media, the UP police clarified that their intention is not to create religious discrimination. Instead, they aim to facilitate the Kanwar Yatra devotees during the holy month of Shravan. Many pilgrims abstain from certain food items during this period, and the police want to ensure a smooth and transparent experience for all participants.

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