Social media users criticise the hate and anti-Muslim hostilities displayed during Hindu festivals and other religious rituals
NEW DELHI — A group of Kanwariyas attacked a Muslim family travelling in a car in the Manglaur town of the Hindu pilgrimage city of Haridwar in Uttarakhand, raising questions on the actions of the ‘pilgrims’ who were supposed to be on a spiritual journey.
A video of the incident that occurred on Saturday has since gone viral, with several social media users severely criticising the hate and anti-Muslim hostilities displayed during Hindu festivals and other religious rituals.
In the clip, several Kanwariyas can be seen surrounding the family’s car and behaving violently. They are also seen to be vandalising the vehicle. What was meant to be a peaceful religious event turned ugly in seconds. Shockingly, even women and children of the Muslim family were seen running in fear to save themselves from the mob.
The viral clip (shared by the user @iamnarendranath) raised tough questions about what real devotion should look like. The caption alongside the video read, “How Kanwar pilgrims thrashed a Muslim family in Haridwar over a minor dispute. What difference is seen between this insolence and those who indulge in vandalism in the name of language? Which religion or language allows such behaviour?”
In the video, the family appears terrified as a group of Kanwariyas shouts and attacks their vehicle. The reason is said to be a minor road dispute where the family’s car allegedly brushed past the pilgrims. Instead of letting it go, the situation quickly spiralled into chaos.
Social media users slammed the violent behaviour, saying that such actions destroy the true meaning of “Shiv Bhakti.” Some even called out the privilege Kanwariyas enjoy during the yatra, where normal traffic rules seem forgotten in their path.
After massive outrage online, the Haridwar Police finally responded. In a post, the police explained what happened. They said, “During the Kanwar Yatra in Manglaur area, when a car was spotted, the Kanwariyas got angry and tried to damage the vehicle. On the complaint of damaging the car and assault in the incident, a case has been registered under relevant sections and legal action is being taken.”
An Instagram post that shared the video says that the Haridwar Police have registered an FIR against eight individuals based on the complaint filed by the car owner, Nazim. The incident has sparked outrage, with calls for action against the culprits, the Instagram user ahmedkhabeer wrote.
Every year, during the Kanwar Yatra, roads are cleared and traffic rules are relaxed for the convenience of Kanwar Yatris. But this incident has left many wondering where to draw the line between religious devotion and public safety.
