Temporarily shut liquor, meat shops along Kanwar Yatra routes: MLA

Delhi BJP MLA Tarvinder Singh Marwah has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, urging them to impose a temporary ban on all liquor and meat shops along the routes of the upcoming Kanwar Yatra, which begins on July 11.

Marwah, who is also a member of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, said the move is necessary to uphold the sanctity of the annual pilgrimage and ensure that no untoward incidents take place during the holy month of Sawan.

In the letter, Marwah wrote, “We appeal that meat and liquor shops on the designated routes of the Kanwar Yatra are temporarily shut so that its sanctity is maintained and there are no untoward incidents.”

Representing the Sri Guru Singh Sabha, a prominent Sikh religious body, Marwah emphasised that the Sabha honours all faiths and is committed to supporting the sentiments of devotees.

“We appeal that meat and liquor shops on the designated routes of the Kanwar Yatra are temporarily shut so that its sanctity is maintained and there are no untoward incidents,” he wrote in his letter.

While talking to the media on Monday, the MLA pointed out that a similar appeal during Navratri had resulted in 70-80 per cent of shops staying closed for the entire festival, setting a positive precedent.

“The Chief Minister has asked for time to consider the request and the L-G is also looking into it. I will be meeting the Home Minister as well,” Marwah said.

Marwah said representatives of the Sabha would personally reach out to the owners of meat and liquor shops along the Yatra routes, requesting their voluntary cooperation in closing shops during the period.

To support lakhs of kanwariyas, who will pass through Delhi during Sawan, gurdwaras will arrange for drinking water, medical aid and rest camps at various points along the routes.

Kanwar Yatra, one of the largest annual religious gatherings in North India, sees devotees walking long distances on foot, carrying sacred water from holy rivers to offer at Shiva temples. The appeal comes as Delhi gears up to manage large crowds and ensure smooth arrangements for the pilgrims.

Delhi