Renowned Indian lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar has always been known for his outspokenness on various social and political issues. On Thursday, July 18, Akhtar took to social media to express his concerns about the instructions issued by the Muzaffarnagar UP police. The directive mandated that all shops, restaurants, and vehicles prominently display the names of their owners during the upcoming Kanwar Yatra, a religious procession undertaken by devotees of Shiva.
In a tweet, Akhtar drew a comparison between these instructions and the practices of Nazi Germany, where specific marks were placed on Jewish shops and houses. This comparison highlighted the potential for racial profiling and discrimination inherent in such a directive. The Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage where devotees travel to various locations to collect holy water from the Ganges River. The directive from the police aimed to regulate the display of ownership information along the route of this yatra.
Akhtar's tweet sparked a significant debate on social media, with users expressing their concerns about the impact on community relations and individual freedoms. Some users pointed out that the directive could lead to religious discrimination, as it could potentially affect food sales during the yatra. This was further exacerbated by a controversial statement made by Muzaffarnagar's BJP MLA Kapil Dev Aggarwal, who suggested that Muslims should not name their shops after Hindu deities during the yatra.
Muzaffarnagar UP police has given instructions that on the route of a particular religious procession in near future all the shops restaurants n even vehicles should show the name of the owner prominently and clearly . Why ? . In Nazi Germany they used to make only a mark on…
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) July 18, 2024
The issue also raised questions about religious dietary practices, with some users highlighting the need for Halal certification for Muslims and questioning why similar mandates are not extended to other religious groups. The directive also follows a ban on meat sales along the Kanwar Yatra route by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Overall, Akhtar's tweet shed light on a complex issue that touches upon religious freedom, community relations, and the potential for discrimination. The directive from the police has sparked a broader conversation about religious practices, identity, and respect for diverse beliefs in India.
Image Source: Twitter