Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that some people are trying to defame Kanwar Yatra and Shiv devotees and said that such troublemakers will be exposed and dealt with sternly.“Troublemakers have resorted to defame this holy pilgrimage (Kanwar Yatra). We have CCTV footage of troublemakers. We will paste their posters after the Kanwar Yatra) is over. Any attempt to disrupt the Yatra, or compromise its sanctity, will be dealt with strictly,” Yogi said during an event in Meerut.Demonstrating respect for their faith and dedication, Yogi showered flowers on Kanwariyas on the streets of Meerut and also showered petals from a helicopter in other districts of western Uttar Pradesh.“From tomorrow (Monday), lakhs of Shiv devotees from various states of the country will carry water in the form of ‘Kanwar’ and perform ‘jalabhishek’ in various Shiv temples. I heartily welcome all the devotees who are bringing holy Gangajal from Haridwar,” Yogi said.Claiming that some people were trying to defame Kanwar Yatra, he said: “Where there is enthusiasm and excitement, faith and devotion, some people try to disturb celebrations and defame devotion and faith. Social media is replete with videos showing people wearing saffron, associated with ‘Kanwariyas’, creating ruckus on roads, ransacking hotels, damaging vehicles, and beating civilians.”He claimed that miscreants were trying to infiltrate groups of Kanwariyas and bring them bad names by indulging in hooliganism and violence.“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,” he said.“Administration is there to take legal action if any such miscreant desecrates Kanwar. Nobody should take law into their hands,” he added.The CM claimed that before 2017, govts in UP did not allow these pilgrimages to take place and created obstacles in their path.“Today, the govt respects your devotion. So, it is our responsibility to take it forward with the same sacred sentiment,” he said, urging the Kanwariyas to join cleanliness campaigns and ensure that no river or road remains dirty.“Shiv bhakts should walk with a spirit of public welfare and remain mindful of not causing inconvenience to others,” he said.Rajya Sabha member Laxmikant Bajpai and UP’s Minister of State Somendra Tomar were also present.
