A fresh controversy has arisen in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, following the decision to drape large white cloths over the facades of two mosques and a Mazar along the route of the Kanwar Yatra. The coverings, intended as a precautionary measure to “prevent trouble,” were installed on Friday but were removed by evening amid widespread criticism.
The cloths were placed using bamboo scaffolding in front of religious sites in the Jwalapur area. Religious leaders, including the mosque’s maulana and the Mazar’s caretakers, expressed surprise and discontent, stating they were not consulted or informed about the decision. Shakeel Ahmad, a caretaker at the Mazar, noted that Kanwariyas often rest under the shade of these religious sites and questioned the necessity of the coverings.
Senior police officials and the district magistrate were unavailable for comment, but Cabinet Minister Satpal Maharaj defended the action, describing it as a precautionary measure to maintain peace, similar to covering buildings under construction.
The removal of the cloths followed objections from community members and politicians. Special police officer Danish Ali, assigned for the yatra, revealed that they were directed by the railway police post to take down the coverings.
The incident quickly escalated into a political controversy. Congress leader and former minister Naeem Qureshi expressed shock, noting that Muslims in Haridwar have always welcomed Kanwar devotees and that this was the first time such measures had been taken. He emphasized the longstanding harmony between Hindus and Muslims during the auspicious Kanwar Yatra.
Former district panchayat president Rao Afaque Ali criticized the decision, questioning whether similar actions might be taken against temples in the future. Uttarakhand Congress vice president Suryakant Dhasmana condemned the action as “contempt of the Supreme Court,” pointing out that the court had previously stayed an order requiring businesses along the route to display their caste and religious identity.
Dhasmana accused the ruling BJP of engaging in divisive politics, suggesting that the party had failed to learn from past electoral defeats and was continuing with strategies rejected by voters.
