With the Kanwar Yatra just a few weeks away, some Hindu organisations have raised the issue of “food jihad” once again. Swami Yashveer, head pujari of the Yoga Sadhna Ashram in Muzaffarnagar, has announced the formation of a 5,000-strong group of “Hindu warriors” with a stated objective: to prevent Muslims from running food stalls along the Kanwar Yatra route. According to him, this initiative is aimed at halting what he calls “food jihad,” referring to the alleged presence of Muslim vendors along the Kanwar Yatra route selling food under Hindu names or symbols.
Speaking to local supporters, Swami Yashveer stated that the month of Sawan, beginning July 10, marks a sacred time when lakhs of devotees carry Gangajal from Haridwar’s Har Ki Pauri to their home Mandis. As preparations intensify for this spiritual journey, he has urged Hindu society to remain vigilant and take matters into their own hands and prevent the Muslims from carrying out food-jihad
“We will identify and stop all Muslim shopkeepers hiding their identities or using names of Hindu deities to sell food,” Yashveer said. “This is not just about food; it’s about protecting our faith and traditions.”
The announcement has triggered alarm within the police and administrative circles of Muzaffarnagar and neighbouring districts. Officials are cautious about any actions that could exacerbate communal tensions, particularly during a large-scale religious event that attracts millions of pilgrims.
The Nameplate Controversy Revisited
This is not the first time the Kanwar Yatra has seen such calls. In 2023, Swami Yashveer and others demanded that food stalls display nameplates identifying the owner’s religion. Initially backed by certain local bodies, the move drew severe criticism and was eventually halted by the judiciary.
Despite last year’s legal setback, the narrative has returned this year with renewed vigour. Activists affiliated with Swami Yashveer have begun mobilising in villages and towns along the Yatra route, urging locals to boycott Muslim-owned shops.
So far, the Uttar Pradesh administration has remained tight-lipped. The state government has issued no formal directive. However, senior officials have instructed district authorities not to implement any fresh orders at the local level that could aggravate communal sensitivities.
Sources in the police department reveal that security protocols are being revised to ensure that the Yatra remains peaceful. Intelligence units have been asked to monitor group activities closely, and additional deployment of forces is expected in sensitive areas.
