Uttar Pradesh govt mandates name display for eateries on kanwar yatra route

New Delhi: In an effort to prevent "confusion" among Kanwar Yatra pilgrims, police in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar district have directed hotels, dhabas, and food stalls along the pilgrimage route to display the names of their owners and employees. This move aims to avoid any potential misunderstandings during the yatra, which begins on July 22.

Muzaffarnagar Superintendent of Police Abhishek Singh stated that the Uttar Pradesh government has also extended this directive to food carts and stands. Singh emphasized that this decision is to ensure that "no situation arises where there are allegations and recriminations" that could escalate into law and order issues. The Kanwar Yatra sees Hindu devotees travelling by foot to Uttarakhand to collect Ganga river water, which they then offer at Shiva temples.

Past disputes prompt action

Ajay Kumar Sahni, Deputy Inspector General of the neighbouring Saharanpur district, noted that similar measures have been implemented in his district. Hotels and dhabas must display owner and employee names, as well as rate lists, to avoid disputes related to food pricing, the serving of non-vegetarian food, or the religious affiliation of the proprietors. These measures come after past conflicts with kanwariyas over these issues.

Chief Minister's directives

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has prohibited the open sale and purchase of meat along the Kanwar Yatra routes this year, as a mark of respect for the devotees. He has also instructed officials to set up help desks, distribute chilled water and shikanji, and arrange for a 'pushp varsha' (shower of flower petals) on the pilgrims.

Political reactions

The directive has sparked criticism from opposition leaders. Congress leader Pawan Khera condemned the move as "state-sponsored bigotry" and accused the BJP of attempting to normalise the economic boycott of Muslims. He pointed out that many large Indian meat-exporting firms are Hindu-owned, questioning the logic behind targeting small Muslim-owned food establishments.

AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi likened the directive to apartheid in South Africa and the discrimination against Jews in Nazi Germany. Trinamool Congress spokesperson Saket Gokhale filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission, arguing that the order exposes eatery owners and staff to discrimination and violates their right to livelihood.

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav called for courts to take suo motu cognizance of the order, labelling it a "social crime" and urging punitive action.

Police deny religious discrimination

Muzaffarnagar police have denied that the directive is intended to discriminate against any religious group. They have responded to multiple criticisms on social media, reiterating that the aim is to maintain peace and order during the Kanwar Yatra.

Environmental concerns

In a related issue, the Uttar Pradesh government has faced scrutiny for reportedly sanctioning the felling of over 33,000 mature trees in forest divisions across three districts, including Muzaffarnagar, to facilitate the construction of a new road for the pilgrimage.

The directive to display owner names at eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route continues to stir debate, reflecting broader tensions and concerns within the region.