Mosques in Haridwar covered with cloth during Kanwar Yatra, removed after objections

Lagatar24 Office

Haridwar: The facades of two mosques and a mazar along the Kanwar Yatra route in Haridwar were covered with large white sheets on Friday to “avoid any trouble.” However, the sheets were removed in the evening after objections from several quarters.

The cloth coverings were placed on bamboo scaffolding in front of the religious structures in the Jwalapur area. The maulana of the mosque and the administrators of the mazar stated that they were not aware of any administrative order regarding this action, noting that this was the first time that such a measure had been taken during the yatra.

The senior superintendent of police and district magistrate of Haridwar were not available for comment, but minister Satpal Maharaj explained that the action was being taken to maintain peace. “Such things are being done only to avoid trouble,” Maharaj told reporters. “It is not a big issue. We are also covering buildings when they are under construction,” he added.

After objections, including those from locals and politicians, the district administration removed the curtains. Danish Ali, appointed by the administration as special police officer (SPO) to manage the yatra, said, “We have been directed by the railway police station to remove the curtains. That is why we have come to remove them.”

Congress leader and former minister Naeem Qureshi expressed surprise at the action. “We Muslims always welcome Shiv bhakts for the Kanwar fair and arrange refreshments for them at various places. This is an example of harmony between Hindus and Muslims in Haridwar and there has never been a tradition of curtains,” he said.

One of the mazar’s administrators, Shakeel Ahmad, said no one spoke to the administrators about covering the religious structure. “Kanwariyas stop under the shade of trees outside mosques and mazars to rest,” Ahmad said, adding that this was the first time such a step had been taken.

Congress leader and former district panchayat president Rao Afaque Ali found the government’s decision surprising. “Some kanwariyas also go to mosques to pay their respects. India is a country where everyone takes care of every religion and caste. Today mosques are covered, what will happen if temples are covered in the same way tomorrow?” he asked.

Uttarakhand Congress vice-president Suryakant Dhasmana alleged that the move was “contempt of the Supreme Court”. Criticising the ruling BJP, he said, “The message they have missed is that the entire country is one. The BJP’s divisive and discriminatory policies have been rejected. But the party is not learning from them.”