Author: Mahdi Khojas

Sambhal MLA stated, “There are more goons than Shiv devotees in the Kanwar Yatra. These individuals are indulging in vandalism and hooliganism.”

STRING OF VANDALISM INCIDENTS

The Samajwadi MLA’s strong remarks come amid a string of vandalism and assault cases on Kanwar Yatra routes in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Incidents of targeting of roadside dhabas and stalls over disputes on nameplates have also been reported.

Last week, kanwariyas vandalised a school bus in Meerut after the vehicle allegedly brushed past some of them. In videos that have gone viral, the enraged pilgrims are seen boarding the bus and beating the driver and smashing the windshields.

In another incident, kanwariyas were seen punching a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan at Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur railway station during an argument over train tickets. Seven kanwariyas were arrested.

In Shahjahanpur district jail, inmates performed a symbolic Kanwar Yatra, offering Ganga water to Lord Shiva for spiritual purification and early release. “इस पहल का उद्देश्य कैदियों में सकारात्मक और आध्यात्मिक सोच को प्रोत्साहित करना है,” stated the jail superintendent.

In Shahjahanpur district jail, inmates performed a symbolic Kanwar Yatra, offering Ganga water to Lord Shiva for spiritual purification and early release. “इस पहल का उद्देश्य कैदियों में सकारात्मक और आध्यात्मिक सोच को प्रोत्साहित करना है,” stated the jail superintendent.

Inmates at the Shahjahanpur District Jail in Uttar Pradesh conducted a symbolic Kanwar Yatra on Monday. The event, held within the jail premises, involved inmates carrying holy water from the Ganges to offer to Lord Shiva, seeking purification from past sins and a swift release. This initiative, according to a senior jail official, was aimed at fostering spiritual awareness among prisoners. [1]

The jail superintendent noted that the initiative’s primary goal “is to encourage positive and spiritual thinking among prisoners and offer them opportunities to participate in religious and cultural programmes, which helps in inculcating discipline, restraint, and spiritual awareness.” This Yatra was arranged in response to requests from several inmates who could not partake in the traditional Kanwar Yatra due to incarceration. [2]

In contrast, the broader Kanwar Yatra in Uttar Pradesh has faced criticism and controversy. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath defended the pilgrims, stating, “Kanwariyas are constantly put through media trials. They are labelled as hooligans and even terrorists. This mindset is an insult to India’s rich cultural heritage.” [3]

However, not all criticism has been unwarranted. Samajwadi Party MLA Iqbal Mehmood remarked, “There are more goons than Shiv devotees in the Kanwar Yatra. These individuals are indulging in vandalism and hooliganism, and their place is in jail.” Mehmood’s comments come amidst reports of vandalism and assaults during the Yatra, including incidents in Meerut and Mirzapur. [4]

Inmates of Shahjahanpur District Jail conducted a symbolic Kanwar Yatra, offering Ganga water to Lord Shiva.

Inmates of Shahjahanpur District Jail conducted a symbolic Kanwar Yatra, offering Ganga water to Lord Shiva.

Inmates at Shahjahanpur Jail embarked on a symbolic Kanwar Yatra within the prison grounds.

In Shahjahanpur Jail, inmates embarked on a symbolic Kanwar Yatra for spiritual purification and early release. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath defended kanwariyas, saying, “Kanwariyas are constantly put through media trials… This mindset is an insult to India’s rich cultural heritage.” However, Samajwadi MLA Mehmood stated, “There are more goons than Shiv devotees in the Kanwar Yatra.”

In Shahjahanpur Jail, inmates embarked on a symbolic Kanwar Yatra for spiritual purification and early release. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath defended kanwariyas, saying, “Kanwariyas are constantly put through media trials… This mindset is an insult to India’s rich cultural heritage.” However, Samajwadi MLA Mehmood stated, “There are more goons than Shiv devotees in the Kanwar Yatra.”

In the confines of Shahjahanpur District Jail, inmates orchestrated a symbolic Kanwar Yatra on Monday, utilising water from the Ganges in a ceremony brimming with spirituality. This initiative, geared towards spiritual redemption and the hope of early release, was specifically designed for prisoners unable to leave the facility. The aim was to foster a positive and spiritual mindset. A senior jail official noted, “इस पहल का उद्देश्य कैदियों में सकारात्मक और आध्यात्मिक सोच को प्रोत्साहित करना है और इस तरह की सुधारात्मक गतिविधियां कैदियों को धार्मिक और सांस्कृतिक कार्यक्रमों में भाग लेने का अवसर प्रदान करती हैं, जिससे उनमें अनुशासन, संयम और आध्यात्मिक जागरूकता पैदा करने में मदद मिलती है.” [1]

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government placed restrictions on Kanwariyas, banning them from carrying items such as sticks and tridents during their pilgrimage, set to conclude on 23rd July. This measure stemmed from growing concerns about public disturbances, including noise from motorbikes without silencers. Despite these constraints, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his support for the Kanwariyas, criticising certain media for negative portrayals. He remarked, “Kanwariyas are constantly put through media trials. They are labelled as hooligans and even terrorists. This mindset is an insult to India’s rich cultural heritage.” [2]

Amid rising tensions, Samajwadi Party MLA Iqbal Mehmood highlighted increased vandalism incidents linked to the Yatra, suggesting a dominance of “more goons than Shiv devotees” among participants. Mehmood urged decisive action against those involved in such misconduct. He stated, “There are more goons than Shiv devotees in the Kanwar Yatra. These individuals are indulging in vandalism and hooliganism, and their place is in jail.” [3]

One reported incident involved damage to a school bus in Meerut after a confrontation between Kanwariyas and the vehicle. Enraged participants reportedly boarded the bus, assaulted the driver, and caused damage following a minor collision. This incident attracted significant attention and sparked discussions about the behaviour of some pilgrims. Additional reports mentioned altercations at roadside eateries over disputes involving nameplates. [4]

In another event, Kanwariyas clashed with a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan at Mirzapur railway station over a disagreement about train tickets, resulting in the arrest of seven individuals. These incidents have intensified debates regarding the conduct of certain Yatra participants. The need for increased oversight and control has been emphasised due to concerns about public safety amidst cultural reverence. [5]

The dual narratives surrounding the Kanwar Yatra underscore its cultural significance while also shedding light on the challenges posed by disorderly conduct among some participants. Authorities face the task of balancing the celebration of faith with maintaining order, an ongoing issue for local governments and law enforcement. [6]