**Title:** Vandalism During Kanwar Yatra: MLA Calls for Action
**Meta Description:** Amid rising vandalism during the Kanwar Yatra, a Samajwadi Party MLA urges the government to address the issue and protect genuine devotees.
**URL Slug:** vandalism-kanwar-yatra-mla-action
**Headline:** Rising Vandalism During Kanwar Yatra: Samajwadi MLA Demands Government Action
In recent weeks, incidents of vandalism and harassment linked to the Kanwar Yatra have raised significant concerns in Uttar Pradesh. Iqbal Mehmood, a Samajwadi Party MLA from Sambhal, has voiced his alarm, stating that there appear to be more troublemakers than genuine devotees of Lord Shiva participating in the pilgrimage. He has called on the Uttar Pradesh government to take decisive action against those responsible for the unrest.
Mehmood highlighted a troubling incident in Meerut, where kanwariyas vandalized a school bus after it allegedly brushed against some of them. He emphasized that the number of authentic Shiva devotees is dwindling, while the presence of individuals engaging in vandalism and hooliganism is alarmingly high. “These individuals are indulging in vandalism and hooliganism, and their place is in jail,” he asserted, warning that their actions could have repercussions in the afterlife.
The MLA’s comments come amid a series of vandalism and assault incidents along the Kanwar Yatra routes in both Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Reports have surfaced of roadside dhabas and stalls being targeted over disputes related to nameplates. In another alarming event, kanwariyas were filmed attacking a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan at a railway station in Mirzapur during a disagreement over train tickets, resulting in the arrest of seven individuals.
In response to the escalating violence, the Uttar Pradesh government has implemented a ban on kanwariyas carrying sticks, tridents, hockey sticks, and similar items during the yatra, which is set to conclude on July 23. Additionally, the use of motorbikes without silencers has been prohibited to mitigate noise pollution and public disturbances.
Despite these measures, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has defended the kanwariyas, criticizing certain media portrayals that label them as “hooligans.” He argued that such characterizations are an affront to India’s rich cultural heritage, stating, “Kanwariyas are constantly put through media trials. This mindset is an insult to India’s rich cultural heritage.”
As the Kanwar Yatra continues, the call for a balance between maintaining public order and respecting the cultural significance of the pilgrimage remains a pressing issue.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What actions is the Uttar Pradesh government taking to address vandalism during the Kanwar Yatra?**
A: The government has banned kanwariyas from carrying sticks and similar items and prohibited the use of motorbikes without silencers to reduce noise pollution and public disturbances.