UP CM Yogi Adityanath Issues Directives for Kanwar Yatra and Muharram to Ensure Safety and Harmony

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently led a high-level meeting with senior officials to ensure effective law and order, communal harmony, and public amenities during upcoming festivals in Uttar Pradesh. The meeting included discussions with police commissioners, divisional commissioners, district magistrates, and senior superintendents of police. Adityanath emphasised that all religious events should be conducted with devotion, safety, and social harmony.

Adityanath highlighted the importance of the Hindu month of Shravan, observed from July 11 to August 9. During this period, festivals like Kanwar Yatra, Shravani Shivratri, Nag Panchami, and Raksha Bandhan will take place. Additionally, Jagannath Rath Yatra is expected between June 27 and July 8, while Muharram will occur between June 27 and July 7. This period requires heightened attention to law and order, healthcare, sanitation, education, and disaster management.

Ensuring Safety During Festivals

The chief minister issued specific directives for the peaceful conduct of the Kanwar Yatra. He described it as a symbol of faith and discipline. Districts bordering Uttarakhand, along with Ghaziabad, Meerut, Bareilly, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Kashi, Barabanki, and Basti must remain vigilant. Inter-state coordination is crucial at all times.

Sound levels for DJs and music along the yatra route must adhere to norms. Loud sounds or provocative slogans are unacceptable. The height of DJs used in processions must also comply with specified limits. Cutting down trees or displacing people for any procession is not allowed. Displaying weapons or politicising religious symbols disrupts communal harmony and is prohibited.

Maintaining Order and Harmony

Adityanath stressed that prohibited animals should not enter procession routes. Social media monitoring and drone surveillance are essential where needed. Prompt responses to fake news are necessary to maintain peace. With large participation in the Kanwar Yatra, districts must stay alert to potential threats from miscreants blending in disguise.

Local administration must engage with kanwar associations for prior assessments of arrangements. Adityanath reiterated that while devotees' sentiments are important, mischief-makers should have no opportunity. Pilgrims' convenience is a priority; non-vegetarian food should not be sold openly along kanwar routes.

Infrastructure and Public Amenities

Cleanliness, sanitation, street lighting, drinking water, toilets, and medical facilities must be ensured on yatra paths. Damaged electric poles and hanging wires need immediate repair. Organisations setting up camps require verification; public convenience centres should operate cooperatively.

During Shravan's Mondays, large crowds gather at Shiva temples statewide. The Panchayati Raj and Urban Development Departments must ensure cleanliness and traffic management around temples in advance. Plastic bans must be strictly enforced.

Addressing Overpricing Concerns

To prevent overcharging along kanwar routes, prices should be fixed with vendors displaying their names as before. Adityanath expressed concern over fertiliser overpricing complaints too. District magistrates should conduct surprise inspections and take strict action against violators.

Regarding Muharram preparations, Adityanath instructed learning from past incidents for peaceful events on traditional routes in coordination with peace committees. He addressed conspiracies inciting caste-based conflict in Kaushambi, Etawah, and Auraiya.

Tackling Caste-Based Conflicts

The chief minister warned against malicious attempts to spread caste hatred in the state. Such actions are against state interests and will not be tolerated. Conspiracies must be exposed immediately with culprits publicly identified for strict action.

Adityanath reviewed grievance redressal applications via the CM Helpline and IGRS portal. Some districts' performance was unsatisfactory; they were warned to improve or face accountability.

The chief minister mentioned the School Pairing Policy for teachers', students', and parents' benefit in Basic Education Council schools. This process should be transparent and aligned with local needs for smooth implementation by district magistrates.

With inputs from PTI