Controversy Erupts as UP Police Orders Eateries On Kanwar Yatra Route to Display Owner Names

Muzaffarnagar: A recent directive by the Muzaffarnagar police has sparked controversy, requiring eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their owners’ names. This measure, according to police, aims to prevent confusion among devotees and maintain law and order during the annual religious pilgrimage.

The Kanwar Yatra, set to begin on July 22, sees a large influx of Kanwariyas from neighbouring states passing through Muzaffarnagar to collect water from Haridwar. Many devotees abstain from certain foods during this period, leading to concerns about food item clarity at roadside eateries.

“In past instances, misleading shop names created confusion for Kanwariyas, causing law and order issues,” the police stated. “To avoid such problems, we’ve asked eateries to voluntarily display owner and employee names. This is not about religious discrimination but about facilitating devotees.”

However, this directive has drawn significant backlash. Bollywood screenwriter Javed Akhtar criticized the move, comparing it to practices in Nazi Germany.

“Muzaffarnagar UP police has given instructions that on the route of a particular religious procession in near future all the shops restaurants n even vehicles should show the name of the owner prominently and clearly. Why? In Nazi Germany they used to make only a mark on particular shops and houses,” Akhtar posted on X.

Muzaffarnagar UP police has given instructions that on the route of a particular religious procession in near future all the shops restaurants n even vehicles should show the name of the owner prominently and clearly . Why ? . In Nazi Germany they used to make only a mark on…

— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) July 18, 2024

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also condemned the directive, likening it to apartheid in South Africa and the “Judenboycott” in Hitler’s Germany. “This order ensures no Kanwaria accidentally buys from a Muslim shop,” Owaisi stated, calling the move discriminatory.

उत्तर प्रदेश पुलिस के आदेश के अनुसार अब हर खाने वाली दुकान या ठेले के मालिक को अपना नाम बोर्ड पर लगाना होगा ताकि कोई कांवड़िया गलती से मुसलमान की दुकान से कुछ न खरीद ले। इसे दक्षिण अफ्रीका में अपारथाइड कहा जाता था और हिटलर की जर्मनी में इसका नाम ‘Judenboycott’ था। https://t.co/lgvCf2HoQE

— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) July 17, 2024

Senior Superintendent of Police, Abhishek Singh, clarified that the initiative is voluntary and intended to prevent confusion and ensure peace during the yatra.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the yatra preparations, emphasizing the importance of smooth proceedings for the upcoming event.