Keep vigil, take strict action against anti-social elements: CM to officials ahead of Kanwar Yatra

Indian Express

17 hours ago

CHIEF MINISTER Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday night convened a law and order review meeting with senior police and government officials and issued instructions to keep vigil and maintain peace during 'Kanwar Yatra' in the coming month of 'Saawan' commencing in July and initiate strictest action against the anti-social elements.
The CM emphasised that like last year, every shop must clearly display the owner's name on the route of Kanwar Yatra. He also directed that no open sale of meat or similar items should take place along the Kanwar Yatra routes.
In the meeting, the CM held an extensive discussion with all Police Commissioners, Divisional Commissioners, District Magistrates, and Senior Superintendents of Police. He gave clear instructions that the entire administrative machinery must work with full sensitivity and alertness.
The CM discussed at length about alleged planned attempts to incite caste-based violence. The Chief Minister said that some miscreants are trying to disturb harmony in the state, pointing to recent incidents in Kaushambi, Etawah, and Auraiya as proof.
He added that officials must not wait for orders from higher authorities — swift, lawful action must be taken on the ground, he said.
The Chief Minister informed that the holy month of Shravan will be observed from July 11 to August 9, during which festivals such as the traditional Kanwar Yatra, Shravani Shivratri, Nag Panchami, and Raksha Bandhan will take place. Alongside this, the Jagannath Rath Yatra is expected from June 27 to July 8, and Muharram may also be observed between June 27 and July 6 and 7.
He added that this entire period is very sensitive from the point of view of law and order, healthcare, cleanliness, education, and disaster management. Therefore, all concerned departments and district administrations must work in coordination and carry out their duties responsibly.
The CM gave special instructions for the peaceful and dignified conduct of the Kanwar Yatra. He said the yatra is a symbol of faith, discipline, and celebration. Districts like Ghaziabad, Meerut, Bareilly, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Kashi, Barabanki, and Basti — especially those near the Uttarakhand border — should remain extra alert. He emphasised that inter-state coordination should be maintained at all times.
CM Yogi said that the sound from DJs, drums, and other musical instruments along the yatra route must remain within prescribed limits. Loud, disturbing noises, provocative slogans, and any deviation from traditional routes will not be allowed under any circumstances. He also said the height of DJs used in Tazia, Rath, or Kanwar processions must stay within the fixed limits. He strictly warned that cutting trees, removing slums, or evicting the poor for any religious procession is absolutely unacceptable.
The CM further made it clear that the display of weapons and political use of religious symbols during such events disturbs harmony and must be strictly prohibited. Entry of restricted animals on the procession routes should be prevented. Social media must be closely monitored, and drones can be used for surveillance if needed. Quick fact-checking and timely dissemination of accurate information are essential to counter fake news and rumors.
He added, given the large number of devotees who participate in the Kanwar Yatra, there is a possibility of miscreants entering in disguise. Keeping this in mind, the Chief Minister instructed all districts to stay alert. He directed local police stations and administrative units to stay in touch with Kanwar organizations and review all arrangements in advance. He reiterated that while respecting devotees' religious sentiments is a top priority, no mischief-maker should be given a chance.
Regarding Muharram processions, he stressed that lessons must be learned from incidents of the past. All necessary preparations should be completed in advance. Peace Committees and organizing groups should be involved to ensure that all processions take place peacefully and along their traditional routes.