In a move that has sparked controversy, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to extend a directive across the state that was initially issued by Muzaffarnagar Police. The order mandates that all eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route display their owners’ names, addresses, and mobile phone numbers. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has also confirmed that similar instructions are already in place in Uttarakhand.
The Muzaffarnagar police stated that this advisory, initially for the duration of the Kanwar Yatra, was aimed at preventing any “confusion” and maintaining law and order. However, the directive has drawn heavy criticism from opposition parties, who argue that it unfairly targets Muslim traders.
Sources suggest several prominent eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to assess the impact of the order. At ‘Delhi Dhaba’ on the Muzaffarnagar-Haridwar highway, the owner had not only displayed his name but also the names and phone numbers of all employees, all of whom were Hindus.
At ‘Shiva Tourist Dhaba,’ the owner had gone further by displaying the Aadhaar cards of all employees, again all Hindus. The owner admitted that he had placed four Muslim employees on leave or terminated their employment following instructions from “the administration and local police,” although the administration denies issuing such directives.
Ibrar, the Muslim owner of ‘Veer Ji Da Dhaba,’ expressed mixed feelings about the directive. While he acknowledged that it allows customers to make informed choices, he also feared losing business and planned to close his dhaba for a few days due to expected slow business.
Reactions from Kanwar Yatris varied. Many supported the decision, saying it would help them make informed choices, while others felt it was unnecessary as their devotion took precedence over where they ate. However, there was a consensus among the yatris on the need to address the issue of price exploitation by dhaba owners during the yatra season, as prices of food and water are often inflated.
The implementation of this directive and its broader implications continue to stir debate, highlighting the sensitive intersection of religious practices, business, and governance in the region.
