Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued a stern warning to individuals attempting to defame the Kanwar Yatra, stating that they will face strict action. Adityanath emphasized that while the majority of devotees uphold the sanctity of the Yatra, some anti-social elements are conspiring to malign the religious procession.

Addressing devotees in Meerut, Adityanath asserted that his government has CCTV footage of those creating disturbances during the Kanwar Yatra. He declared that after the Yatra concludes, posters of these miscreants will be displayed publicly, and they will be held accountable under the law.

The Chief Minister urged Kanwar associations and devotees to expose individuals attempting to defame the Yatra and create disturbances. He advised them to distance themselves from such people, not allow them to join their groups, and inform the administration about them. Adityanath also appealed to Kanwariyas to maintain cleanliness, be mindful of public convenience, and report any provocation to the police instead of taking the law into their own hands.

Adityanath claimed that some "miscreants" infiltrate Kanwar groups to bring them a bad name. He described this as a cunning attempt to defame the Yatra, which is a homage to Lord Shiva, and cautioned people against being misled by such falsehoods. He also noted that such attempts are being made on social media and through other means.

The Chief Minister's remarks come in the wake of reports of violence and vandalism linked to the Kanwar Yatra. Recently, a group of Kanwariyas allegedly assaulted a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan at Mirzapur railway station following an altercation. Adityanath's government has put in place elaborate security measures for the Yatra, including deploying police personnel in plain clothes to mingle with the Yatris and keep an eye out for vandals and troublemakers. The security of women Kanwariyas is also a top priority, with a large contingent of women police personnel and special help desks deployed.

Adityanath has previously denounced what he calls "media trials" that portray pilgrims as "hooligans" and "terrorists". He has lauded the Yatra's social unity, transcending caste, regional, and class boundaries. He also warned against social media campaigns allegedly aimed at stoking caste conflicts, urging institutions to remain vigilant in protecting national unity.

The Chief Minister has emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order, communal harmony, and appropriate public amenities during the Yatra. He has directed officials to ensure that all religious events are conducted with devotion, safety, and social harmony. He has also stressed the need for close monitoring of social media and drone surveillance where necessary to counter fake news and rumors.