New Delhi: In a recent development in Uttarakhands Haridwar, local administration ordered that mosques and tombs along the Kanwar Yatra route be covered with curtains. However, this action quickly became a topic of controversy. The decision was reversed shortly after facing huge backlash.Uttarakhand Tourism Minister defends the actionThe administration removed the covering of Islamnagar Mosque near Aryanagar and a shrine and mosque located on an elevated bridge in the area. Uttarakhand Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj defended the action, stating that it was taken to prevent any potential unrest and to maintain the orderliness of the Kanwar Yatra.The decision came in the wake of recent disputes in the region, including disagreements over the display of nameplates in shops during the Yatra. Outcry over decisionThe decision to cover the religious sites quickly drew criticism. Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat condemned the action, arguing that such measures were reflective of narrow-mindedness. When various temples, mosques, and churches coexist along the route, it represents the essence of India. Are Kanwar yatris so intolerant that they would avoid a path if it is shadowed by a place of another faith Rawat said, as quoted by PTI.Anwar Ali, the head of the mosque in Islamnagar said, We were not informed about why the curtains were installed. There was no prior discussion or explanation given. The police came unexpectedly and instructed us to avoid interference while they put up the curtains overnight.
