India: Controversial Kanwar Yatra Order Sparks Debate in Uttar Pradesh, Affects Muslims

India’s Uttar Pradesh government has extended a controversial directive requiring eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display owners’ names, addresses, and phone numbers, News18 reported yesterday.

This move, initially implemented in Muzaffarnagar, aims to prevent confusion and maintain order during the pilgrimage. However, it has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who argue it targets Muslim traders.

Reports indicate that some establishments have gone further, displaying employee details, with one dhaba owner admitting to removing Muslim staff at the behest of local authorities—a claim denied by officials.

While many kanwariyas appreciate the transparency, concerns about price hikes during the yatra season persist.