Pakistani Journalist Raises Kanwar Yatra Issue, US Clarifies Directives Not in Effect

In response to questions about the Kanwar Yatra directives in two BJP-ruled states, the US State Department emphasized its ongoing discussions with Indian officials regarding the need for equal treatment of all religious groups.

A Pakistani journalist highlighted the issue during a press briefing, accusing the BJP government of compelling Muslim restaurant owners to display their “Muslim names” at their establishments.

“We have seen those reports. We have also seen reports that the Indian Supreme Court on July 22 issued an interim stay on the implementation of those rules. So they’re not actually in effect,” said US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

“Speaking generally, we are, as we always say, committed to promoting and protecting universal respect for the right of freedom of religion and belief for all anywhere in the world,” he added.

The Supreme Court recently issued an interim stay on the directives from the two BJP-ruled states that required eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display owner and staff names along with other details.

Notices were also sent to the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh, where a similar directive was issued by the Ujjain municipal body.

A bench comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti suggested that eateries should indicate whether they serve vegetarian or non-vegetarian food.

Justice SVN Bhatti shared a personal anecdote, recalling his visits to a Muslim-run vegetarian restaurant in Kerala known for maintaining international standards.

“…Without disclosing the name of the city, there is a vegetarian hotel run by a Hindu. There is another vegetarian hotel run by a Muslim.

“As a judge of that state, I was going to the hotel run by a Muslim for vegetarian food. When it comes to food standards and safety, he was displaying everything. He had returned from Dubai. He was maintaining international standards with regard to safety, cleanliness, and hygiene. So it was my choice to go to that hotel,” Justice Bhatti said.