These days, the topic of identification and verification remains at the center of discussion at Harki Paidi, the world famous pilgrimage site in the religious city of Haridwar. In the recent development, the identity of the people working at the shops and establishments located in and around the Ganga Ghat area is being checked. In particular, the issue of workers being asked for identity documents and being questioned about their background has brought this issue into the limelight. The main effort behind this entire exercise is to ascertain who are the people working in the pilgrimage area and what is their background.
The process of ensuring identity of those working at catering and daily use shops in Ganga Ghat area has been intensified.
Special attention is being kept on the employees working at shops selling daily-use items and food stalls in Harki Paidi and surrounding Ganga Ghat area. People working at these establishments have been instructed to keep their valid identity cards with them. The basic objective of this process is to know from which region and background the people providing their services at the religious place come. This process of verification is being considered important from security point of view, so that there is no scope for any suspicious activity and the administration has the record of every person working here.
In view of the ever increasing number of devotees at Harki Paidi, top priority is being given to security and religious decorum.
If seen from the administrative point of view, this campaign is not against any particular religion, but is an attempt to streamline the system. There has been a huge increase in the number of devotees coming from India and abroad to Harki Paidi area. As the crowd increases, a situation of chaos often arises on the ghats. In such a situation, the administration argues that the need of the hour is to take strict steps to ensure the safety, orderliness and religious dignity of the pilgrimage site. Checking identity cards is an important part of this security cycle.
The verification process has been made the basis for improving the system and to avoid any kind of inconvenience to the pilgrims.
Amidst the increasing crowd in the ghat area, complaints of disorder were also coming from some places. In view of this, it has been decided that verification of all people working in the field should be mandatory. The administration believes that if everyone has valid identity cards, then investigation can be done immediately if needed. This will directly benefit the devotees, as this will curb unnecessary crowd or presence of outsiders in the Ghat area and the pilgrims will be able to perform their prayers without any hassle.
The main objective is to refute the talk of targeting any particular sect, to strengthen the dignity and security arrangements of the pilgrimage site.
Amidst the questions being raised regarding this entire action, it has been clarified that this investigation campaign is not being conducted targeting any specific community or religion. This is part of a normal and routine administrative process, the sole objective of which is to maintain the dignity of a sacred site like Harki Paidi. It has been considered necessary to prepare this database to strengthen the security arrangements and to deal with any untoward situation, so that there is no compromise with the sanctity and security of the religious place.
Expecting cooperation from local businessmen and an open way for direct complaint if anyone is harassed in the name of investigation.
To make this verification campaign successful, the administration has appealed for full cooperation from local traders and shop owners. They have been requested to keep the documents of their employees complete. Along with this, the administration has also assured that no one will be allowed to be harassed in this process. If any person is unnecessarily harassed in the name of identity check, he can directly complain to the administrative authorities. The administration is trying to make the system of the pilgrimage city ideal with mutual cooperation.
