After clashes, UP bans baseball bats, hockey sticks in Kanwar Yatra

India Today

3 days ago

In a step to maintain law and order during the Kanwar Yatra, authorities have imposed a ban on carrying items like baseball bats and hockey sticks along the pilgrimage route. The decision comes in the wake of multiple clashes reported during DJ competitions among Kanwar Yatris.Taking note of the increasing incidents of violence, the administration has issued clear instructions: 'Kanwar Yatris are instructed not to carry items like hockey sticks or baseball bats.'advertisementOfficials said that these restrictions are aimed at preventing the misuse of such objects, which have in the past been used during altercations along the procession path.
However, the administration clarified that there is no restriction on carrying any religious symbol, including Trishuls (Trident).The move comes amid rising concerns over unruly behaviour during the Yatra. On Saturday, seven Kanwariyas were arrested on charges of beating up a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan over an argument over buying train tickets at Uttar Pradesh's Mirzapur railway station, police said. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media.The incident was captured on CCTV showing a group of Kanwariyas wearing saffron clothes thrashing a CRPF jawan who was going to catch the Brahmaputra Mail at Mirzapur station. They are seen pinning down the jawan, landing punches and kicks at him as other people look on.However, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday once again came out in support of the kanwar Yatris and said that some people are trying to defame the Kanwar Yatra on social media and urged every 'kanwar sangh' to expose the malcontents."We have to keep in mind that where there is enthusiasm and excitement, where there is faith and devotion, some elements are constantly trying to disturb that enthusiasm and to defame this devotion and faith," Yogi Adityanath said at an event.Yogi Adityanath claimed there are "miscreants" who infiltrate kanwar groups and bring them bad names.- EndsMust Watch
IN THIS STORY#Uttar Pradesh