The Kavad Yatra is scheduled to begin on 10 July. Amid preparations, controversy has arisen over the alleged “identity campaign” run by some organizations on the journey route, after which Rakesh Tikait, the national spokesperson of the Indian Farmers Union (BKU), has issued a statement from his residence in Muzaffarnagar.
The campaign, which is allegedly involved to identify people and businesses on the basis of religious identity, took a serious form after an incident in Haridwar, where a Muslim family was allegedly attacked on the Kandar Marg and vandalized their vehicles.
Reacting to the growing communal tension, Tikait said, “It is wrong to run an identity campaign. Instead of targeting people, we should adopt a clear and peaceful view.”
He suggested a practical solution to avoid confusion and conflict during the pilgrimage, vegetarian hotels should use green boards, while non -vegetarian eateries and hotels should use red color. According to him, this color-coded system is already applicable in Nagpur, Maharashtra and helps prevent disputes.
Tikait emphasized that the Kandar Yatra is a sacred event and should be organized in a peaceful manner. He reminded that senior BKU leader Naresh Tikait had earlier appealed to organize the journey with restraint, which was asked to limit the height and sound of the DJ processions, which became the modern feature of the pilgrimage.
However, Tikait said that such suggestions are also opposed for peace. He said in a sarcastic tone, “Today, whoever talks about peace is called a traitor.” He pointed out how the previous comments of Naresh Tikait were misrepresented and created a ruckus.
He also referred to a tragic incident of the previous year, when a soldier was beaten to death during a competitive ‘Dak Kanwar’ procession. He highlighted the dangers of uncontrolled rivalry during the journey.
Tikait warned against converting the pilgrimage into a platform of caste-based slogans and provocation. He jokingly said, “What is fun if the DJs do not raise casteist slogans? If DJ trucks do not get stuck in overhead power lines, what is the fun?”.
Speaking on the controversy over the nominees, Tikait said that instead of getting entangled in the politics of religious or caste -based identity, the businesses located on the Kavad road should indicate their offer through color -coded boards – vegetarian or non -vegetarian -.
He called upon the administration to take strict action against any person who takes the law in his hands and urged communities to continue the service of Kanwar travelers with unity and devotion regardless of caste or religion.
He said, “We have always been engaged in the service of Kanwar travelers, organize community food and support them. But sometimes our efforts also face adverse conditions.” This statement of Rakesh Tikait reminds of communal harmony and responsible conduct during one of the largest religious pilgrims in India.
