Uttar Pradesh State Government Enforces ID Display for All Shops Along Kanwar Yatra Route

By Legal Wires 7 Minutes Read

The Uttar Pradesh State Government on Friday introduced new measures to facilitate the smooth execution of the Kanwar Yatra, beginning this July 22.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered that all food and beverage establishments along the Kanwar routes should display the names and identities of their operators or owners to uphold the pilgrim faith.

Additionally, action will be taken against vendors selling halal-certified products. Also noting that previously, the Muzaffarnagar Police had requested that all eateries along the Kanwar route must “voluntarily display” the names of their owners and staff. They emphasized that this measure aims to assist devotees and is not intended to cause any form of “religious discrimination.”

Hindu pilgrims undertake the Kanwar yatra around this time of year, travelling by foot to Uttarakhand to collect water from the Ganga River. They then offer the water in Shiva temples.

Earlier this month, the Times of India reported that the Muzaffarnagar BJP MLA Kapil Dev Aggarwal suggested that Muslims should avoid naming their shops after Hindu deities during the yatra, stating that it could lead to controversy when devotees realize the shops are run by Muslims.

Ajay Kumar Sahni, Deputy Inspector General of the neighbouring Saharanpur district, announced on Thursday that hotels and dhabas along the Kanwar Yatra route in his district are also required to display the names of their owners and employees, as well as their rate lists.

The move has faced strong criticism from opposition parties, who accuse the UP Government of targeting a specific community.

Former Samajwadi Party MP Dr. ST Hasan stated,  “…A message is being given to boycott Muslims and visit shops of Hindu…How long will this communal thinking last? Unfortunately, these kinds of incidents are happening…A gap is being created between the two communities. These kinds of orders should be cancelled…”

UP state Congress chief Ajay Rai said, “This is absolutely impractical. They are trying to impair the sense of brotherhood in society, trying to create distance among people. This should be cancelled immediately…”

The Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav labelled the order as a “social crime” and called for court intervention.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi condemned the order, comparing it to apartheid and Nazi-era practices. He challenged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to issue a written directive if he has the “courage.” Addressing a press conference, Owaisi said, “Seeing this order of the Uttar Pradesh government, it seems as if the spirit of Hitler has entered them. Will you give so much importance to a trip that you will ruin the livelihood of others? Will you work for only one community? Where is the Constitution? I challenge Yogi Adityanath to issue a written order if he has the courage. Clear discrimination is happening against Muslims,” Owaisi added.

Bahujan Samaj Party Chief Mayawati expressed her strong disapproval towards the government directives.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the preparations for the Kanwar Yatra and provided guidelines for the water, power, urban development, and energy ministers to ensure peace and security during the event. He issued directives for the Kanwar Yatra, Sawan Mela, and other festivals in the upcoming Shravan month. As a result, the Urban Development Department released instructions to improve cleanliness, lighting, and drinking water arrangements.

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