UP bans sale of baseball bats, hockey sticks along Kanwar route amid clashes

Amid the ongoing Kanwar Yatra, authorities have imposed a ban on pilgrims carrying items such as baseball bats and hockey sticks along the pilgrimage route. This decision is a direct response to an increase in reported clashes, particularly during DJ competitions among Kanwar Yatris, which have raised concerns about public safety and unruly behavior.

Taking serious note of the escalating incidents of violence, the administration has issued explicit instructions to all participants: "Kanwar Yatris are instructed not to carry items like hockey sticks or baseball bats." This directive aims to mitigate the potential for these objects to be misused in altercations, which have unfortunately become a recurring issue along the procession path in previous years.

Officials clarified that these restrictions are specifically designed to prevent the misuse of such items, which, while seemingly innocuous, have been weaponized during disputes. The focus is purely on public safety and ensuring that the spiritual pilgrimage remains peaceful and orderly for all participants and the communities it passes through.

However, the administration has made it clear that this ban does not extend to religious symbols. There is no restriction whatsoever on carrying any religious symbol, including the traditional Trishuls (Tridents), which are integral to the religious practices of the Kanwar Yatris. This distinction highlights that the measures are intended to curb violence, not to interfere with religious traditions.

The move to impose these restrictions comes amidst rising concerns over unruly behavior during the Yatra, which has drawn public attention. A recent incident on Saturday underscored these concerns, where seven Kanwariyas were arrested on charges of assaulting a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan. The assault occurred over an argument related to buying train tickets at Mirzapur railway station in Uttar Pradesh, and a video of the incident quickly went viral on social media, sparking outrage.

The CCTV footage of the Mirzapur incident clearly shows a group of Kanwariyas, identifiable by their saffron attire, aggressively thrashing a CRPF jawan who was attempting to catch the Brahmaputra Mail. The visuals depict them pinning down the jawan, landing punches and kicks, while other onlookers appear to be hesitant to intervene, highlighting the severity of the unprovoked attack and the growing concerns about discipline within certain groups of pilgrims.

Despite these incidents, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday reiterated his support for the Kanwar Yatris, stating that some individuals are attempting to defame the pilgrimage on social media. He urged every 'kanwar sangh' (Kanwar group) to identify and expose such "malcontents" who bring a bad name to the religious procession.