Kanwar Yatra: Uttarakhand Police Stop Hindutva Leader’s Campaign.

Uttarakhand Police Intervene in Hindutva Leader’s Campaign to Identify Muslim Eatery Owners Along Kanwar Yatra Route.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Haridwar | The Uttarakhand Police recently stopped Hindutva leader Swami Yashveer Maharaj and his supporters from entering Haridwar at the Narsan checkpost on the UP-Uttarakhand border. Maharaj’s campaign, “Pehchaan Abhiyaan,” aimed to identify Muslim eatery owners through Aadhaar card verification along the Kanwar yatra route.

Background
The Kanwar yatra, a significant Hindu pilgrimage, is expected to attract over 30 million devotees to Haridwar this year. The Uttarakhand government has implemented various measures to ensure a smooth and secure journey for pilgrims, including deploying 15,000 policemen and installing drones and CCTV cameras along the 540 km Kanwar route .

The Controversy
Maharaj’s campaign, which he claims is aimed at preventing Muslim stalls in disguise along the Kanwar yatra route, has sparked controversy. In a video released last month, Maharaj accused some Muslim business owners of having a “jihadi” mentality and serving adulterated food to pilgrims. However, the Uttarakhand Police have stated that Maharaj’s campaign could lead to law and order issues.

Police Action
When Maharaj and his supporters attempted to demand Aadhaar cards from eatery owners, police officials intervened, questioning their authority to do so. The police clarified that allowing such a campaign could compromise the law and order situation along the Kanwar yatra route.

Reactions
While Maharaj’s supporters argue that his campaign is necessary to protect the sanctity of the Kanwar yatra, others have criticized the police for not taking adequate measures to prevent more pressing issues, such as food adulteration and spitting on food, drinks, puja and prasad materials.

Urged Measures
The incident highlights the complexities of balancing religious sentiments and law enforcement during significant events like the Kanwar yatra. As the festivities approach, the Uttarakhand Police are working to maintain order and ensure a peaceful experience for all pilgrims. The Kanwar yatra is scheduled to take place from July 11 to July 23, 2025.

The Uttarakhand Police are trying to maintainelaw and order during the Kanwar yatra, providing assistance to pilgrims and taking action against disturbances. But, some critics argue that the police have failed to address issues like food adulteration and spitting on food and drinks, while preventing Maharaj’s campaign.The Dhami Government in Uttarakhand has been urged to set up a committee headed by Maharaj to prevent Muslim stalls in disguise along the Kanwar Yatra route.
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_Agency Inputs.