Uttar Pradesh, India – Authorities in Uttar Pradesh have mandated that hotels, restaurants, and street vendors display their names and registration details during the Kanwar Yatra. Critics argue that such measures are inappropriate in a democratic country, drawing uncomfortable parallels to practices used by totalitarian regimes, including those implemented by Hitler against Jews.
Critics says that, “requiring the compulsory display of an owner’s name to identify their religion reflects a hidden agenda of Hindutva to marginalize and boycott Muslims, reminiscent of how Hitler isolated Jews in Germany. The UP government’s support for such a policy is a deeply shameful act, as it promotes religious discrimination and social division. This approach undermines the principles of equality and secularism, fostering an environment of intolerance and prejudice against the Muslim community.”
This is dangerous. In Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar, SP Abhishek Singh ordered hotels, Dhabas and small time vendors falling on the route of Kanwar Yatra to display the names of the owners in front of their shops aiming to identify the religion of the owners.
Background: During… pic.twitter.com/LuF8jpAbt2
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) July 17, 2024
Concerns Over Democratic Values
Prominent voices, including AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, have condemned the directive. Owaisi likened the measure to tactics used by Nazi Germany, suggesting it could lead to discrimination and targeting of specific communities. He emphasized that actions like these undermine democratic principles and could foster an environment of fear and division.
उत्तर प्रदेश पुलिस के आदेश के अनुसार अब हर खाने वाली दुकान या ठेले के मालिक को अपना नाम बोर्ड पर लगाना होगा ताकि कोई कांवड़िया गलती से मुसलमान की दुकान से कुछ न खरीद ले। इसे दक्षिण अफ्रीका में अपारथाइड कहा जाता था और हिटलर की जर्मनी में इसका नाम ‘Judenboycott’ था। https://t.co/lgvCf2HoQE
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) July 17, 2024
Call for Condemnation
Many believe that the policy violates fundamental democratic values and should be challenged. They argue that the government should focus on inclusive and non-discriminatory measures to ensure security during the pilgrimage.
After this move I guarantee bjp will go to 140 from 240
India🇮🇳has already rejected hate! pic.twitter.com/fgruvDbyj5
— Anu (@anushakunmittal) July 19, 2024