Political Row Over Order of Muzzafarnagar Police Asking Eateries on Kanwar Yatra Route to Display their Names

Published On: July 18, 2024 - A political controversy has erupted in Muzaffarnagar over an order requiring eateries along the Kawar Yatra route to display the names of their owners. The Muzaffarnagar Police issued this directive to prevent confusion among pilgrims during the Kawar Yatra. However, opposition parties have criticized the move, alleging it targets Muslim traders. In response to the backlash, the police issued a fresh advisory asking eateries to voluntarily display owner names, emphasizing that the intention is not religious discrimination but to assist devotees during the Yatra. AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi strongly criticized the Uttar Pradesh Police, likening the order to apartheid in South Africa and the Jewish boycotts in Nazi Germany. Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav described the police order as a 'social crime' and urged the courts to take suo motu cognizance of the issue.