The Uttar Pradesh government recently ordered eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to post the names of their owners. This action has caused an uproar and prompted questions about its true intentions and possible effects. The government says that this directive is meant to keep pilgrims from becoming confused. But there are doubts about this directive’s genuine intentions given its timing and style.
Many think that this order is directed towards particular groups of people, especially restaurants run by Muslims. The government has been charged with discriminatory practices previously. Businesses owned by Muslims are under pressure. Owners are worried that more scrutiny and fewer customers will result from this directive. Many people have voiced their displeasure with this directive. In this article, we will talk about every incident and direction resulting from this decision of Uttar Pradesh.
The Clarification by Uttar Pradesh Police
The decision was made to “avoid confusion” among devotees who will travel on the route, according to Abhishek Singh, the senior superintendent of police in Muzaffarnagar, who was quoted by the local media. “The decision was made to ensure that there are no accusations and counter-allegations and that there is no subsequent law and order situation,” Singh was cited as stating.
Impact on Muslim-Owned Eateries
Numerous restaurants with a Muslim ownership base have voiced worries about possible harassment. Numerous entrepreneurs have expressed feeling singled out and intimidated. Organizations and community leaders have expressed strong objections. Social media reflects a split in public opinion, with both support and criticism being expressed. There is a lot of conjecture regarding the political intentions underlying the directive. Some argue that, given the order’s timing, it serves larger political agendas.
While civil rights activists emphasize ethical concerns and draw attention to the potential infringement on individual rights, legal experts contest the legality of the directive. The order could make tensions within the community worse. Previous historical examples demonstrate how such acts can widen societal gaps.
Tale of name change in Muzzaffarnagar
Muzaffarnagar restaurant owners have admitted that name changes are being implemented. An owner of a tea shop in Khatauli revealed that he was forced to change the name of his business from Chai Lover’s Point to Waqeel Sahab Tea Stall. Officials told him that this modification was still not clear enough, so he changed it once more to Waqeel Ahmad Tea Stall.
In the same way, another restaurant owner disclosed that he changed the name of his business from Shiva Dhaba to Vishambhar Nath Dhaba approximately ten days ago.
The town of Khatauli in Muzaffarnagar acts as a halfway point between Haridwar and Delhi. Villages including Bhuraheri, Bhangela, Budhna, Fugana, and Titana are among those along the 240 km route.
Role of a Hindu Leader in the move
The director of an ashram in Baghra, Muzaffarnagar, Swami Yashveer Maharaj, accused Muslims of naming their hotels and dhabas after Hindu deities during the Kanwar Yatra last year. He intervened on behalf of these establishments. He is still demanding this year that the names of fruit vendors and hotel operators who are Muslims be put up in bold letters.
After the move of Uttar Pradesh Police, Swami Yashveer Maharaj thanked the authorities for the decision.
Beef Exporters with Muslim names
Hindus make up four of the six biggest meat exporters in India, but Hindutva brigades harass and viciously attack Muslims. Racial unrest increases, particularly around Eid ul Azha, as a result of these unfounded charges. Hindu festivals honoring animals, which are infamous for their cruelty, go on with little investigation. The beef export market is dominated by Hindu businessmen, including:
Al-Kabeer Exports Pvt. Ltd.
Owners: Mr. Shatish & Mr. Atul Sabharwal
Address: 92, Jolly Makers, Chembur, Mumbai 400021
Arabian Exports Pvt. Ltd.
Owner: Mr. Sunil Kapoor
Address: Russian Mansions, Overseas, Mumbai 400001
M.K.R Frozen Food Exports Pvt. Ltd.
Owner: Mr. Madan Abott
Address: MG Road, Janpath, New Delhi 110001
P.M.L Industries Pvt. Ltd.
Owner: Mr. A.S Bindra
Address: SCO 62-63, Sector-34A, Chandigarh 160022