UP government restricts sale of meat on Kanwar Yatra route

Ahead of Kanwar Yatra tand respecting the faith of the Kanwar devotees, Uttar Pradesh government has decided to prohibit the sale and purchase of meat in the open anywhere on the Yatra route.

UP Cm Adityanath reviewed the preparations being made by police commissioners, divisional commissioners, district magistrates and police captains with senior government-level officials on Tuesday regarding strong law and order and facilities for the devotees in view of the upcoming festivals and gave necessary guidelines in the larger public interest.

CM Yogi Adityanath said, “The holy month of Shravan is starting on 4 July. This year due to Adhimas, the month of Shravan is two months in duration. The festivals of Shravani Shivratri, Nagpanchami and Rakshabandhan will be celebrated during this period. The traditional Kanwar Yatra will take place in the month of Shravan. Monday worship also has special importance during this period. Before this, Bakrid will be celebrated on June 29. It is clear that this time is sensitive in terms of law and order. That’s why we have to be constantly alert and careful.”

CM Yogi further added, “Traffic was not affected due to religious activities during the month of Ramzan month and Eid this year. This effort has been appreciated across the country. This time on the occasion of Bakrid and Muharram also we will have to implement the same system. A dialogue should be held with the concerned religious leaders/intellectuals in this regard by the local administration. The place for the sacrifice on Bakrid should be marked in advance. There should be no sacrifice at disputed places. Sacrifice should not be made anywhere other than the designated places. In any case, make sure that no prohibited animal is sacrificed anywhere. There should be a systematic action plan for the systematic disposal of waste after sacrifice in every district. Otherwise, these wastes become the cause of disease.”

CM further said, “All necessary efforts should be made keeping in view the local needs so that every festival is celebrated with peace and harmony. Deploying divers on the basis of past experiences, CCTVs should be installed on the Kanwar Yatra route. The places for setting up of Kanwar camps should be marked in advance so that traffic is not obstructed.”

CM also directed the administration to provide necessary facilities to the general public during festivals. “Respect religious traditions/faiths, but do not allow things that go against tradition. Allow organizers to hold programmes, but ensure that everyone follows the rules and regulations. There should be no display of weapons in religious processions. No incident that hurts the sentiments of people of other religions should be allowed to happen. Mischievous elements may try to unnecessarily provoke people of other communities, keep an eye on such matters.”

“Additional police force should be deployed in sensitive areas. The police force must do foot patrolling every day in the evening. Keep PRV 112 active. Chaotic elements should be dealt with strictly. Be it rural or urban areas, electricity supply should be kept smooth during festivals. There should be no complaints of unnecessary cuts from anywhere. It should be reviewed regularly. Dilapidated electric poles, dangling electric wires etc. on the route of Kanwar Yatra should be managed well in time so that the devotees do not face any problems and no accident occurs,” CM added.