NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath Friday appealed to Kanwar yatris to maintain discipline during the annual yatra, warning that anti-social elements are “attempting to provoke violence and damage” the pilgrimage’s image.He urged devotees not to allow anyone to disturb its sanctity and asked them to avoid unruly behaviour over minor issues.Addressing a function in Shamli district after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for several development projects, CM Yogi said the state government was ensuring full security and all necessary arrangements for Kanwar pilgrims.“Today, no one stops the Kanwar Yatra. It is progressing peacefully and with enthusiasm. The government stands with the kanwariyas, and the administration and security forces are serving them,” he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.Appealing for restraint, the chief minister said devotees should uphold the values associated with Lord Ram, Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva.“We are descendants of Lord Ram, belong to the land of Lord Krishna and are devotees of Lord Shiva. We must uphold Ram’s maryada, Krishna’s values and Shiva’s simplicity. There should be no unruly behaviour over trivial issues,” he said.He alleged that some anti-social elements were deliberately trying to create unrest during the yatra.“Some anti-social elements try to provoke violence and tarnish the image of the Kanwar Yatra. If anyone tries to create trouble or disturb the atmosphere, such persons should be isolated immediately. We must not allow anyone to compromise the sanctity and dignity of this pilgrimage,” he said.The chief minister also used the occasion to contrast the current government’s approach with that of previous administrations. He claimed that before the BJP came to power in Uttar Pradesh in 2017, Kanwar Yatras were stopped, routes were blocked and Ramleela processions were not permitted.He also alleged that people were lathi-charged and even fired upon for raising the slogan “Jai Shri Ram”.The UP chief minister further accused a “job syndicate” of denying deserving candidates government employment before 2017. In an apparent attack on Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, he referred to the alleged network as the “Syndicate of Saifai”, claiming it had deprived young people of fair opportunities.“Now, when government jobs are advertised in Uttar Pradesh, the syndicate of Saifai that once snatched away the employment rights of the youth can no longer do so. Today, every family and every section of the society gets an opportunity to secure government jobs,” he said.Highlighting the BJP-led government’s achievements, Adityanath said the state was creating employment opportunities while strengthening support for farmers. He also claimed that improved law and order had enhanced security for both citizens and investors, encouraging investment and development across Uttar Pradesh.
