He highlighted that some troublemakers were intentionally blending in with groups of kanwariyas and engaging in disruptive behavior with the aim of maligning the spiritual journey.
“Troublemakers have resorted to defame this holy pilgrimage. We have CCTV footage of such elements. We will paste their posters after the yatra is over. Any attempt to disrupt the yatra or compromise its sanctity will be dealt with strictly,” Yogi said.
In a symbolic gesture of reverence, the CM showered flower petals on pilgrims in Meerut and from a helicopter across other districts of western UP.
“From tomorrow, lakhs of Shiv devotees from various states will carry water in the form of kanwar and perform jalabhishek in various Shiv temples. I heartily welcome all the devotees bringing holy Gangajal from Haridwar,” he said.
Yogi also criticized segments of the media for negatively portraying the devotees. “Some sections of the media were portraying kanwariyas as rioters, which was an insult to India’s heritage,” he said.He pointed to the circulation of social media videos that depict individuals dressed in saffron involved in violence, including damaging vehicles, assaulting civilians, and vandalizing properties. He emphasized that such individuals were not actual devotees but anti-social elements attempting to tarnish the event.“Where there is enthusiasm and excitement, faith and devotion, some people try to disturb celebrations and defame devotion and faith,” he said.
Stressing the importance of community vigilance, he added: “While most devotees uphold the sanctity of the yatra, some anti-social elements are conspiring to malign it. It is the responsibility of every kanwar sangh and every Shiv bhakt to expose such elements. Do not allow them to enter your circle. Immediately inform the administration if you spot such people.”
The CM urged the devotees to refrain from retaliating in case of provocation and promised full support from the administration.
“No one should take the law into their own hands. The administration is there to act if any such miscreant desecrates the yatra,” he said.
Drawing a contrast with past administrations, Yogi said that previous governments used to obstruct such religious events before 2017.
“It is our responsibility to take this tradition forward with the same sacred sentiment,” he added.
He also encouraged participants to maintain cleanliness during the pilgrimage, urging them to join cleanliness drives and refrain from polluting roads and rivers.
“Shiv bhakts should walk with a spirit of public welfare and remain mindful of not causing inconvenience to others,” he said.
The state government has reportedly set up necessary facilities for the comfort and safety of the pilgrims, including water stations, medical posts, lighting, and resting areas.
[With TOI inputs]
