The Uttar Pradesh government’s move to enforce the use of ID cards at all shops in the state located along the Kanwar Yatra route has led to a political battle between the BJP and the opposition | Image: Shutterstock
After the Uttar Pradesh government made it mandatory for all eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of their owners, triggering political outrage, the Haridwar police on Friday issued an order directing restaurant owners to display their names along the Kanwar Yatra route.
The Kanwar Yatra, a holy pilgrimage for devotees of Lord Shiva, is expected to begin on July 22.
Speaking to ANI, Haridwar SSP Padmendra Dobal said that general instructions have been issued to the hotels, dhabas and restaurants to write the name of the owner on their shops
“As far as preparations for Kanwar are concerned, we have given general instructions to the hotels, dhabas, restaurants and street vendors on the Kanwar route that they will write the name of the owner on their shops and if they fail to do so, we will take legal action against them. This often creates a dispute situation; hence, we have taken this decision,” Haridwar SSP said.
Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed that food and beverage outlets along the Kanwar routes display the name and identity of the operator/owner to preserve the sanctity of the faith of the pilgrims. In addition, action will be taken against those selling halal-certified products.
The Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to make use of identity cards mandatory at all shops in the state located along the Kanwar Yatra route has led to a political battle between the BJP and the opposition.
However, the move has been met with fierce criticism from opposition parties, who have accused the Uttar Pradesh government of targeting one community.
AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi condemned the move, comparing it to practices of the apartheid and Nazi era. He also challenged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to issue a writ if he had the “courage”.
“When you see this order from the Uttar Pradesh government, it seems like the spirit of Hitler has entered into them. Will you give so much importance to a journey that you ruin the livelihood of others? Will you work only for one community? Where is the Constitution? I challenge Yogi Adityanath to issue a written order if he has the courage. This is clear discrimination against Muslims,” Owaisi added.
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First print: Jul 20, 2024 | 09:03 AM IST