Hindu religious leader spreads inflammatory remarks against Muslims, claiming non-Hindu vendors defile Hindu rituals
HAPUR – The Kartik Fair in Garhmukteshwar in Uttar Pradesh’s Hapur, witnessed an alarming surge in communal tension on Saturday when Swami Yashveer Maharaj, known for his provocative statements, arrived with supporters and publicly targeted Muslim shopkeepers.
Authorities stopped him at the Garh intersection, preventing him from entering the fair and averting potential conflict. Speaking to the media, Swami Yashveer launched a verbal assault against minority vendors, claiming they were harming the sanctity of the religious gathering.
Swami Yashveer accused Muslims of defiling offerings, asserting, “Jihadi gangs set up shops at the fair and hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus by spitting and urinating.” He further threatened that those identified as offending the Hindu faith would be expelled, emphasising, “Those who defile offerings and puja materials with spit and urine will not be allowed to enter the fair.”
His statements came despite clear government directives and police presence, raising serious concerns about the safety and dignity of minority shopkeepers, many of whom rely on such fairs for their livelihoods.
Local Muslim vendors expressed fear and disappointment at the discriminatory rhetoric. A shopkeeper at the fair said, “We come here every year to earn our living and serve the community. Being threatened simply because of our religion is deeply hurtful and frightening.” Another vendor added, “Religious fairs should be spaces for all people to participate peacefully. No one should feel unsafe while working.”
Social observers warned that such remarks could fuel communal disharmony, while authorities maintained that preventing Swami Yashveer from entering the fair was crucial to ensure public order.
