Amid rising concerns over a surge in violence and vandalism during the Kanwar Yatra, Samajwadi Party MLA Iqbal Mehmood has courted controversy by calling out the growing lawlessness among some participants. The Sambhal legislator did not mince words, claiming that “there are more goons than Shiva devotees” among the pilgrims, urging the Uttar Pradesh government to act firmly against miscreants disrupting public order.
Mehmood’s remarks come on the heels of a series of disturbing incidents reported from across Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand during the annual Kanwar pilgrimage. Last week in Meerut, a group of kanwariyas allegedly vandalised a school bus after a minor brush with the vehicle. Viral videos show the group forcefully entering the bus, assaulting the driver, and smashing the windshield in broad daylight—sparking outrage on social media.
In a separate incident in Mirzapur, pilgrims were caught on camera attacking a CRPF jawan at the railway station following a dispute over train seating. Police later arrested seven individuals involved in the scuffle. These back-to-back cases have raised questions over the administration’s ability to balance religious sentiment with law enforcement.
Iqbal Mehmood stated, “True devotees of Lord Shiva do not indulge in violence. These actions will not go unnoticed—even in the afterlife. The government must send a strong message and put such elements behind bars.” He accused the authorities of tolerating hooliganism under the guise of devotion, endangering the safety of ordinary citizens.
In response to the unrest, the Uttar Pradesh administration has imposed several restrictions. Kanwariyas are now barred from carrying sticks, tridents (trishuls), rods, or any such items during the yatra. Loud motorcycles, particularly those without silencers, have also been banned to control noise and nuisance on public roads.
Despite growing criticism, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath defended the pilgrims and hit out at the media for what he called “biased portrayal.” Speaking at an event last week, he said, “Kanwariyas are repeatedly subjected to media trials. Labelling them as hooligans or terrorists is an insult to India’s spiritual traditions.”
He emphasized that the Kanwar Yatra is an ancient religious practice followed by millions with deep devotion and discipline. “A few isolated incidents cannot tarnish the image of crores of peaceful kanwariyas,” he added.
