BJP Leader Warns Police Order May Foster 'Disease of Untouchability'

Senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has expressed concerns regarding the Muzaffarnagar police's directive for eateries along the Kanwar yatra route to display their owners' names. He warned that such orders might promote untouchability. Naqvi stated on X, "the hasty orders of some overzealous officials may spread the disease of untouchability...Faith must be respected, but untouchability must not be encouraged."

Naqvi also addressed online trolls criticising his earlier post. He wrote in Hindi on X, "Don't give me a certificate of respect and devotion for Kanwad Yatra, I always believe that no faith should be hostage to intolerance and untouchability." He shared a throwback picture of himself participating in the Kanwar yatra.

Police Directive and Its Justification

The Muzaffarnagar police's order requires all eateries, including hotels, dhabas, and carts on the Kanwar yatra route, to display the names of their proprietors or workers. Muzaffarnagar Police chief Abhishek Singh explained that this measure aims to prevent confusion among kanwariyas and avoid any law and order issues. He mentioned that everyone is following this directive voluntarily.

Singh stated, "Preparations of Sawan month have started in the district. About 240 km of Kanwar yatra route falls in the district. All the eateries, including hotels, dhabas and carts, on the route have been asked to display the names of their proprietors or those working on these shops."

BJP's Defence of the Order

The BJP defended the Muzaffarnagar police's directive. They argued that it provides fasting Hindus with an option to choose pure vegetarian restaurants where they are more likely to find Satvik food. This choice is important for those observing fasts during the Kanwar yatra.

Despite Naqvi's concerns, the BJP maintained that the order is beneficial for maintaining religious practices without causing any disruptions. The party emphasised that respecting faith is crucial while ensuring no community feels marginalised.

The debate around this directive highlights the balance between respecting religious sentiments and avoiding practices that could lead to social discrimination. Naqvi's comments have sparked discussions on how such measures should be implemented without fostering untouchability.

The Muzaffarnagar police's initiative aims to ensure smooth conduct during the Kanwar yatra by providing clarity to devotees about where they can find suitable food options. However, it has also raised questions about its broader social implications.

This issue underscores the need for careful consideration in policy-making to respect religious practices while promoting social harmony. Ensuring that no community feels excluded or discriminated against remains a critical aspect of such directives.