New Delhi

The Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), an offshoot of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has announced to facilitate the local Muslim communities setting up camps for the Kanwars, Hindu pilgrims who walk barefoot to the River Ganga to fetch its holy water for offering it in their local temples.

This year the15-day pilgrimage begins on July 22 and concludes on August 6 coinciding with Shravan, the fourth month of the Vikram samvat calender. The . devotees hold the belief that presenting the holy Ganges water to Lord Shiva during this month bestows significant blessings and spiritual benefits. The yatra becomes all the more arduous due to the condition that the urn containing the Ganga water should not be kept on the soil throughout the journey.

The MRM decided in an emergency meeting to address the controversy arising out of the UP government’s orders that all food vendors on the route of pilgrimage display their names. It said there is no problem in government order as it only enhances transparency and eliminatessuspicious and hidden doubts.

A release of the MRM said the decision was taken to reiterate the forum’s commitment to the unity of India and to reject the divisive attempts by Congress and the Samajwadi Party.

The opposition parties are alleging the UP government’s order amounts to easing Muslims out of business while the government says it’s aimed at bringing in transparency.

The meeting of MRM in progress

At these camps, the Kanwarias will be showered with flower petals and cold sprays and offered water, fruits, juice, cooked food, and other refreshments.

The forum emphasized the need to counter the opposition's agenda, which, it alleged, seeks to disrupt national harmony “due to their frustration over continuous defeats.”

The MRM workers were urged to work towards upholding social harmony and respond firmly to attempts to harm the nation's unity.

Speakers at the meeting, including activists, officers, educationists, doctors, and social workers, expressed their commitment to following the directives of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Shops and carts selling fruits, flowers, and refreshments will display their names to ensure transparency and social harmony.

The Muslim Rashtriya Manch assured that Muslim vendors would honour the purity requirements of the Hindu faith, reinforcing the country's Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb and preserving cultural respect.

The National Coordinator Board members, including Mohammad Afzal, Syed Raja Hussain Rizvi, Abu Bakar Naqvi, Varg Pachpor, and Girish Juyal, expressed confidence in setting up camps for the Kanwariyas.

The forum also condemned the opposition leaders, specifically Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, for their alleged attempts to disrupt national harmony by misrepresenting Yogi Adityanath's orders.

The Muslim community pledged to counter these efforts by respecting and supporting their Hindu brothers' faith and dignity.

From the National Women's Board, Dr. Shalini Ali, Reshma Hussain, Shamim Bano, and Shahnaz Afzal emphasized that in Islam, love for the country is paramount. They drew parallels to how the Hindu community provides water and sherbet during Muharram and maintains cleanliness during Ramadan.

They said there is no denying the fact that Muslim vendors will reciprocate with the same respect and care for the Kanwariyas.

ALSO READ: Sharif Bharti: India's laughter bomb started by mimicking teachers in school

It may be mentioned that the Muslim community annually organizes camps and langars for Lord Shiva devotees, providing refreshments and support along their journey. This tradition of hospitality and mutual respect showcases the strength of India's unity, as Indian Muslims continue to uphold national harmony despite opposition efforts.