The Uttar Pradesh Police has banned Kanwar pilgrims (Kanwariyas) from carrying trishuls (tridents), sticks, hockey sticks, and other such items during the Kanwar Yatra. This rule applies in key districts along the pilgrimage route like Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Saharanpur, Bulandshahr, Hapur, and Baghpat.
The police have also banned loud bikes without silencers to reduce noise pollution and prevent public disturbance.
This strict action comes after many reports of violence and misbehavior by some kanwariyas in both Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. These pilgrims usually travel to Haridwar to collect holy water from the Ganga River.
No Weapons Allowed – Even Symbolic Ones
The police have made it clear that carrying weapons—even just for show—will not be allowed.
ADG (Meerut Zone) Bhanu Bhaskar said, “The government has clearly instructed us to stop this, and we are registering FIRs (police complaints) against those who break the rule.”
Recent Incidents Behind the Ban
- In Meerut, a group of kanwariyas from Delhi was caught on video waving swords. One of them claimed it was for safety in forested areas.
- In another incident, kanwariyas damaged a school bus in Meerut after it accidentally touched one of them.
- In Muzaffarnagar, a Hindu group reportedly tried to strip an eatery worker during an “identity check,” causing public anger.
- Days later, another group of kanwariyas vandalized a restaurant after being served onions, destroying furniture and the kitchen.
- A disturbing video from Haridwar showed kanwariyas attacking a woman, dragging her by the hair, and beating her after her scooty lightly hit a pilgrim. The police filed a case under serious charges.
Strict Police Action Already Started
After the ban, Muzaffarnagar Police seized 24 loud bikes and fined 60 riders for not having silencers.
A police officer said, “They were only allowed to go ahead after fitting proper silencers.”
This new rule is meant to make the Kanwar Yatra safer and more peaceful for everyone involved.
