The Uttar Pradesh police has ignited widespread outrage after issuing an order requiring eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of their owners. This move, ostensibly intended to prevent ‘confusion,’ has sparked accusations of bias against Muslim traders.
Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi vehemently condemned the order, drawing parallels to apartheid in South Africa and the Nazi era’s Judenboycott. He questioned the rationale behind the directive, asserting that names like Guddu, Munna, Chhotu, or Fatte reveal nothing about the owner’s identity. Owaisi further demanded that the court take suo motu cognizance of the situation and investigate the government’s motives, calling for appropriate punitive measures.
Former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav echoed Owaisi’s sentiments, labeling the order a social crime aimed at undermining peace and harmony. He questioned the purpose of such a measure, given that names provide little meaningful information.
The Kanwar Yatra, a pilgrimage observed by Hindu devotees, is scheduled to begin on July 22nd. Preparations are underway across Uttar Pradesh, with the Muzzaffarnagar Police announcing their plan to enforce the name display requirement for all eateries within their 240 km jurisdiction, including roadside carts.
SSP Abhishek Singh, in a video message, justified the directive by claiming it aims to avoid confusion among Kanwarias and prevent future allegations that could lead to law and order issues. He asserted that compliance with the order is entirely voluntary.
Owaisi, however, denounced the move as a violation of Article 17 of the Constitution, which addresses untouchability. He accused the Uttar Pradesh government of promoting untouchability and pointed out that Muslim employees have been removed from shops in Muzaffarnagar since the order was issued. Owaisi challenged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to issue a written order on the matter, calling it a test of his courage.
