More goons than Shiv devotees in Kanwar Yatra: Samajwadi MLA amid assault cases
He said their actions would have consequences in the afterlife. STRING OF VANDALISM INCIDENTSThe 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.Amid several complaints, Uttar Pradesh has banned kanwariyas from carrying sticks, tridents (trishuls), hockey sticks, and similar items during the yatra, which will end on July 23. The administration has also prohibited the use of motorbikes without silencers to curb noise pollution and public nuisance.However, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has come out strongly in support of the pilgrims, accusing sections of the media of unfairly labelling them as 'hooligans'."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," Adityanath said last week.- EndsMust Watch
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