States should not give permission for Kanwar Yatra: Central Government

The UP government got time to reconsider from the Supreme Court

The Center has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court on the Kanwar Yatra in UP. The Center told the Supreme Court that the state should not allow the movement of kanwariyas to bring Gangajal from Haridwar to Shiva temples. However, this is an age-old practice and keeping in view the religious sentiments, the state should develop a system to provide holy Ganga water through tankers. The states should ensure the distribution of Gangajal among the devotees by following all the protocols. Follow social distancing. In the Supreme Court, the UP government said that we want Kanwar Yatra only as a symbol. Court cannot allow 100 per cent kanwar yatra in UP. The matter will now be heard in the Supreme Court on Monday. The UP government will once again have to give its answer on Monday.

During the hearing, the Supreme Court said that this is a very important topic for everyone. The Supreme Court has said that the life of any person is the most important. Religious and other sentiments are subject to fundamental right.

In its affidavit, the UP government had said that there is no complete ban on Kanwar Yatra in the state. In the affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, the UP government has said that the Kanwar Yatra will be run in a symbolic way. Also, guidelines can be made by the government regarding this.

At the same time, information has been given by the Center in the court that the state government should take appropriate decision under the protocol. All the advisories have already been issued by the central government.

On behalf of the Center, the Supreme Court has said that the Kanwar Yatra should not be allowed to go to Uttarakhand, although Gangajal should be provided such a place so that the Kanwariyas can worship in the nearby Shiva temple.

In view of the Corona crisis, this time the Uttarakhand government has banned the Kanwar Yatra. However, there was no complete ban by the Uttar Pradesh government. As such, suo motu cognizance was taken by the Supreme Court in this matter.

Uttarakhand Police has now become strict regarding Kanwar Yatra. Haridwar border will be sealed for Kanwariyas from July 24. These instructions have been given by the DGP. Experts are constantly warning that the third wave of corona can knock at any time. Concern has also been expressed by the government on the crowd gathering in the hilly areas. In such a situation, many questions were being raised regarding the Kanwar Yatra.