The Uttar Pradesh authorities’ decision to ban the carrying of baseball bats and hockey sticks along the route of the Kanwar Yatra has been prompted by the increasing incidents of violence ostensibly indulged in by the pilgrims. The case of a CRPF jawan being brutally punched and beaten by a bunch of Kanwariyas at Mirzapur after a spat over train tickets triggered outrage, as the video of the incident went viral. In the last few years, there have been several instances of the Kanwariyas vandalising shops and attacking bystanders over minor issues.

A slice of onion found on a plate at a roadside eatery was enough provocation for the Kanwariyas to go on the rampage. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has warned ‘miscreants’ attempting to disrupt the yatra and said those found........

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