Kanwar Yatra: Controversy erupts after eateries in UP's Muzaffarnagar asked to display owners' names
Police have ordered that all eateries on the Kanwar Yatra route should display names of owners to avoid any "confusion", a move seen by the opposition parties as targeting Muslim traders. AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi compared it to Apartheid and Judenboykott, the boycott of Jewish businesses in Hitler's Germany.
 )
FollowAfter a row erupted over eateries on the Kanwar Yatra route in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar being asked to display their owners’ names, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi likened the significant move to “apartheid” in South Africa and “judenboycott” in Hitler’s Germany. New directives from the government are being implemented with the ongoing preparations for the Kanwar Yatra, which is scheduled to begin on July 22.
Regarding the Kanwar Yatra route, authorities in the Muzaffarnagar district issued an order on Wednesday, July 18, requiring all restaurants to prominently post the names of their proprietors outside of their premises. The purpose of this guideline is to provide clarity and prevent misunderstandings during the religious procession.
The senior superintendent of police (SSP) of Muzaffarnagar has issued an order requiring restaurant owners along the Kanwar Yatra route to prominently display the name of the business owner on their property. To promote easier coordination and accountability, this regulation also applies to carts, motels, and dhabas.
The decision has stirred a debate, with criticism from Owaisi, who alleged the measure could marginalise Muslims from taking part in the yatra. "Every food shop or cart owner will now have to put his name on the board so that no kanwariya buys anything from a Muslim shop by mistake," he said in a post on X, citing an order from the Uttar Pradesh Police.
In addition, stores selling alcohol and meat along the yatra routes will stay closed, and officials have been told to keep stray animals out of the way of pilgrims. Drones and CCTV surveillance will watch the event to make sure security and safety protocols are followed.
On important highways like the Ayodhya-Basti road, efforts are being made to reduce traffic and restrict access to emergency vehicles exclusively. The police are working closely with registered groups and pilgrims to ensure that the Kanwar Yatra is conducted in a seamless and orderly manner.
subscribe to Asianet Newsable WhatsApp channel by clicking here.For more reliable and latest news
subscribe to Asianet Newsable Telegram channel by clicking here.
