The entrance of two mosques and a mazar along the Kanwar Yatra route in Haridwar on Friday, Uttarakhand, were covered with large white sheets to “prevent trouble. “However, these sheets were removed by the evening after various objections.
The mosque’s maulana and the mazar’s caretakers stated that they were not informed of any administrative order regarding this action and noted that this was the first time such a measure had been taken during the yatra.
The Haridwar senior superintendent of police and district magistrate were unavailable for comment, but Cabinet minister Satpal Maharaj said the action was taken to maintain peace, adding, “It is not such a big thing. We also cover buildings when they are under construction.”
The district administration removed the sheets after objections from locals and politicians. Danish Ali, a special police officer (SPO) appointed for the yatra’s management, said they received orders from the railway police post to remove the curtains.
Congress leader and former minister Naeem Qureshi expressed surprise, saying that Muslims in Haridwar have always welcomed Shiv bhakts (devotees) for the kanwar fair and provided refreshments, emphasizing the harmony between Hindus and Muslims. He mentioned that before the kanwar mela began, the administration held a meeting where members from both communities were made SPOs.
Shakeel Ahmad, a caretaker of the mazar, said no one informed them about covering the religious structure and noted that kanwariyas often rest under the trees outside mosques and mazars. He added that this was the first time such a step had been taken.
Congress leader and former district panchayat president Rao Afaque Ali found the administration’s decision surprising, noting that some kanwariyas even visit mosques to pay respects. He questioned what would happen if temples were covered in a similar manner.
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