The Uttar Pradesh government has mandated that all food and beverage establishments along the Kanwar Yatra route display the names and identities of their operators starting July 22, in a bid to maintain the pilgrimage’s sanctity. This decision has stirred controversy and criticism from opposition parties who accuse the government of targeting a specific community and creating divisive conditions.
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- Uttar Pradesh government has mandated the display of names and identities of shop operators along the Kanwar Yatra route starting July 22.
- The move is aimed at preserving the sanctity of the pilgrimage and addressing past issues related to food pricing and community disputes.
- DIG Saharanpur Ajay Kumar Sahni stated that the measure is to prevent disputes and ensure clarity regarding food services.
- The order includes clear display of shop names, rate lists, and names of workers to avoid conflicts.
- The Muzaffarnagar Police initially urged eateries to voluntarily display this information.
- Opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party and Congress, have criticized the order as discriminatory and impractical.
- Former Samajwadi Party MP Dr. ST Hasan and Congress chief Ajay Rai argue that the order fosters communal division and impairs societal harmony.
- Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav termed the directive a “social crime” and called for judicial intervention.
- AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi likened the order to apartheid and challenged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to issue a written directive if he had the “courage.”
- Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has reviewed preparations for the Kanwar Yatra, focusing on security, cleanliness, and infrastructure improvements for the event.
