A fresh controversy has emerged in Uttar Pradesh’s Amroha over the closure of non-vegetarian shops during the ongoing Kanwar Yatra, with Muslim organisations demanding that restrictions should be limited only to the designated Kanwar route.
Several Muslim social organisations have submitted a memorandum to the district administration, urging it not to shut meat shops in areas that do not fall along the Kanwar Yatra route. They have also warned that they will approach the High Court if shops outside the Kanwar route are forced to remain closed.
The organisations argued that the Supreme Court has previously held that businesses belonging to members of any community should not be shut merely because of a religious event.
Muslim Organisations Raise Livelihood Concerns
Representatives of the Muslim community said prolonged closure of meat shops would severely affect the livelihood of small traders.
“If the shops of poor people remain closed for nearly a month during Sawan and the Kanwar Yatra, how will they earn a living?” members of the organisations said.
They maintained that shops located away from the Kanwar route should be allowed to operate without restrictions.
District Administration Clarifies Government Order
Amroha District Magistrate said that, as per the government’s directions, only non-vegetarian shops located on the Kanwar route will remain closed during the pilgrimage.
The District Magistrate clarified that there is no government order directing the closure of meat shops in other parts of the city.
He added that a meeting of the Peace Committee had been held and all stakeholders agreed that meat shops situated on the Kanwar route would remain closed during the yatra.
Shopkeepers Seek Alternative Arrangement
Several meat shop owners whose businesses are located on the Kanwar route said they have accepted the government’s order but requested authorities to consider an alternative arrangement.
They said remaining closed for nearly a month causes significant financial hardship.
“Our shops remain closed for one month, but expenses like rent continue. The government should find some alternative solution,” one shopkeeper said.
They also questioned why restrictions should apply to areas that are not part of the Kanwar route.
Bajrang Dal Seeks Wider Ban
Meanwhile, Bajrang Dal members in Amroha have demanded that non-vegetarian shops remain closed not only along the Kanwar route but across the entire city during the pilgrimage.
They argued that many Hindu families live in areas outside the Kanwar route and that the presence of meat shops could affect devotees on their way to offer prayers.
The issue has triggered a debate over balancing religious sensitivities with the livelihoods of traders, even as the district administration maintains that only shops located on the notified Kanwar route are required to remain closed under the existing government order.
