Early Times Report LUCKNOW, July 20: On Sunday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended a heartfelt welcome to the devotees of Lord Shiva taking part in the sacred Kanwar Yatra across western Uttar Pradesh. Demonstrating respect for their faith and dedication, he personally showered flowers on the Kanwariyas on the streets of Meerut, while paying similar tribute from a helicopter in other districts. Speaking at a press conference in Meerut, the Chief Minister issued a clear warning: any attempt to disrupt the Yatra, or compromise its sanctity, will be dealt with strictly. He emphasised that miscreants attempting to defame this holy journey under the guise of the Kanwar Yatra, especially through social media, will be identified and strict action taken against them. "I extend heartfelt greetings to all devotees in this auspicious month of Sawan," CM Yogi said. "Lakhs of Shiva bhakts from across the country are collecting the holy waters of the Ganga from Haridwar to perform Jalabhishek at revered temples like Baba Aughadnath, Pura Mahadev, and Dudheshwarnath. It is heartening to see enthusiastic participation from people of all age groups, youth, women, children, and the elderly, creating a beautiful expression of social harmony." The Chief Minister underscored that while most devotees uphold the sanctity of the Yatra, some anti-social elements are conspiring to malign it. "It is the responsibility of every Kanwar Sangh and every Shiv bhakt to expose such elements and immediately inform the authorities. The entire Yatra route is under CCTV surveillance, and once the Yatra concludes, strict action will be taken against those identified. Their posters will also be displayed publicly," he stated. Highlighting the extensive preparations made for the smooth conduct of the Yatra, CM Yogi said that the government, along with the administration, voluntary organizations, and religious institutions, has ensured comprehensive arrangements for the comfort and safety of the devotees. "From pandals and welcome camps to provisions for drinking water, first aid, and rest areas, every effort has been made to make this Yatra hassle-free," he said. |