Covering of mosque, mazaar on Kanwar Yatra route in Haridwar sparks row

Kanwar Yatra 2024: A controversy erupted on Friday after some mosques and a Mazar (Muslim shrine), along the Kanwar Yatra route in Haridwar city of Uttarakhand, were covered up with large sheets of white cloth by the local administration to “prevent trouble”.

However, the coverings were later removed in the evening following outrage and objections from several quarters. Visuals shared on social media sites showed white sheets hung on bamboo scaffoldings in front of two mosques and a Mazar in Jwalapur area of Haridwar.

Defending the move, Uttarakhand Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj said it was done only to “maintain peace” and “prevent trouble”. “It is not such a big thing. We also cover buildings when they are under construction,” the Minister said.