To prevent potential trouble during the Kanwar Yatra, the facades of two mosques and a Mazar in Haridwar's Jwalapur area were covered with large white sheets on Friday. However, this action caused criticism from several sources, and the sheets were taken down by the end of the day. The sheets were hung on bamboo scaffoldings in front of two mosques and a Mazar, all in the Jwalapur area. The mosque's maulana and the Mazar's caretakers said they were not aware of any administrative order in this regard. They stated that it was the first time such a measure had been taken during the yatra.
However, the covers were later removed in the evening following outrage and objections from several quarters.
Following recent regional conflicts, including disagreements over the display of shop nameplates during the Kanwar Yatra, the decision was made to hang curtains outside the mosque and Mazaar. The action sparked strong emotions, with many people voicing their disapproval.
Supreme Court on Friday extended its interim stay order on directives issued by the Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and MP governments, asking eateries along the Kanwar Yatra to display the names and identities of owners and staff.
The sheets of cloth were removed by the district administration by the evening following objections, including by locals and politicians.
"We received orders from the railway police post to remove the curtains. That is why we have come to remove these," said Danish Ali, appointed as a special police officer (SPO) by the administration for the yatra's management.
(With inputs from PTI)
