• Source:JND
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The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, on Friday claimed that Kanwariyas are wrongly targeted through media trials and labelled as criminals and terrorists. He also took on an argument claiming that only individuals from lower sections of society carry Kanwars. Countering the argument, UP CM said that “People from all social classes, from the working class to the upper class, are involved in this movement.”

Yogi Adityanath, who is currently on a visit to Varanasi, said that those calling Kanwariyas criminals possess a mentality that seeks to tarnish India’s heritage. "Kanwar Yatra is ongoing. People from all social classes, from the working class to the upper class, are involved in this movement. There is a strong sense of unity, and no discrimination is evident... However, there is a media trial, and the Kanwar Yatra is being defamed. They (Kanwar Yatris) are even labelled as criminals and terrorists. This reflects a mentality that seeks to tarnish India's heritage in every way," he said. 

Multiple incidents and videos, showing Kanwariyas attacking shops or getting involved in violent incidents, raised concern over devotees of Lord Shiva causing chaos on their way to Uttarakhand. 

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A group of Kawariyas vandalised a Dhaba in Muzzafarnagar, claiming that they were served onions in their food. Police, on July 14, said that Kanwariyas vandalised the eatery, alleging that the owner was muslim and did not produce an identity, news agency PTI reported.

In a separate incident that occurred in Haridwar, the district police arrested two Kanwariyas on Monday, July 14, for vandalising a shop over an altercation with the owner, ANI reported. 

Heightened Arrangements For Kanwar Yatra Across The Country

Several states bolstered arrangements in the wake of the Kanwar yatra to facilitate a smooth and obstacle-free journey for Lord Shiva devotees. The Yatra began on July 11 and will continue till August 9. States have deployed additional forces, diverted traffic and conducted Bhandara camps to ensure a safe and smooth yatra. 

The Delhi government has installed welcome gates at the borders to greet devotees entering the city. Several routes, including Kalindikunj Road and Mumbai Expressway, have been closed to facilitate a hurdle-free path for Kanwariyas. Roads like GT Road, NH-9 (Delhi-Meerut Expressway), and Wazirabad Road are under special vigilance. 

In Uttarakhand, Additional security personnel are deployed across Haridwar and adjoining areas. Surveillance through 300+ CCTV cameras, drones, and AI-enabled monitoring is in place. 

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The UP government has made elaborate security arrangements this time for the Kanwar Yatra. Around 30 thousand CCTV cameras were installed, and 395 hi-tech drones were pressed into service for surveillance on the Yatra routes.