Recently, the Muzaffarnagar police issued directives for restaurants along the Kanwar yatra route to display the names of their owners while they are getting ready for the event. Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, a prominent BJP politician and former Union minister, expressed alarm over this measure. He warned on Thursday that such orders would perpetuate the “disease of untouchability.”
Naqvi’s Concerns Over Police Directive
Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his apprehensions. In a pointed remark, he said, “The hasty orders of some over-zealous officials may give rise to the disease of untouchability… Faith must be respected, but untouchability must not be patronised… “Don’t ask about birth or caste, what is the caste and lineage. Raidas, all are sons of the Lord, none are of low caste.”
Naqvi also addressed online trolls criticising his stance, asserting that his respect and devotion for the Kanwar Yatra is unwavering. He emphasised, “Hey troller ponies…at least don’t give me the certificate of respect and devotion for Kanwad Yatra, I always believe that “no faith should be hostage to intolerance and untouchability”
BJP Defends Police Order
Despite Naqvi’s concerns, the BJP, currently in power in Uttar Pradesh, stood by the Muzaffarnagar police’s directive. The party justified the order, stating it allows fasting Hindus to identify pure vegetarian eateries easily, ensuring they consume Satvik food during the yatra.
Muzaffarnagar SSP’s Clarification
Muzaffarnagar Police SSP Abhishek Singh explained the rationale behind the order. He mentioned, “Preparations for the Sawan month have started in the district. About 240 km of the Kanwar yatra route falls in the district. All eateries, including hotels, dhabas, and carts, on the route have been asked to display the names of their proprietors or those working at these shops.” He further added, “This measure is to avoid any confusion among kanwariyas and to prevent any law and order issues. Everyone is complying voluntarily.”
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