Darul Uloom Deoband advises students to avoid Kanwar Yatra routes, cites safety concerns
Saharanpur, August 6
Darul Uloom Deoband on Thursday issued an advisory asking its students to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from markets, highways and other areas affected by Kanwar Yatra pilgrims during the annual pilgrimage.
The instructions, issued by the institution's hostel administration, are aimed at ensuring the safety of students during the yatra, when thousands of devotees travel through Uttar Pradesh carrying holy water from the Ganga to offer at Shiva temples.
According to a written order issued by hostel in-charge Ashraf Abbas, students have been directed not to visit markets, the GT Road or any route used by Kanwariyas unless necessary. The advisory also asks students to avoid non-essential travel during the yatra period. In cases where travel cannot be avoided, students have been instructed to use only reserved compartments on trains.
The institute has also made it mandatory for students to carry their Darul Uloom identity cards at all times. The order states that after sunset, no student will be allowed to enter the campus without producing a valid identity card.
In addition to the travel-related instructions, the advisory also mentions the institution's existing rules on student conduct. It warns that students found using multimedia mobile phones could face expulsion from the institution. The administration reminded students that they had come to Deoband to pursue education and should remain focused on their studies and religious responsibilities.
Darul Uloom Deoband is considered one of the most prominent Islamic institutions of the country.
Darul Uloom's advisory came as a precautionary measure to minimise unnecessary movement and ensure the well-being of its students during the pilgrimage. The institution has directed students to strictly comply with the instructions until the yatra concludes.
The annual Kanwar Yatra witnesses the movement of millions of devotees across several northern states, including Uttar Pradesh, with special traffic arrangements and security measures put in place by authorities. During this period, highways and major roads often experience heavy traffic as pilgrims make their way to various Shiva temples.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I don't see any problem with this advisory. It's a practical decision given the massive crowds during Kanwar Yatra. Similar precautions are taken by many institutions during big religious gatherings. The media is making this seem like a bigger deal than it is.
While I understand the safety concerns, I wonder if this kind of segregation is really necessary in today's India. We should be working towards more integration, not less. However, as an outsider, I respect their right to make decisions for their students' well-being.
Har saal aisa hi hota hai. Itni badi population hai UP mein, thodi precaution toh chahiye hi. Main toh kehta hoon, sab institutions ko aisi guidelines banani chahiye during major yatras. Safety first, baaki sab baad mein.
I think this is a responsible move by the administration. During Kanwar Yatra, even regular commuters face difficulties. A madrasa with many young students should definitely take such precautions. It's about ensuring no untoward incident happens, whether from misunderstanding or crowd pressure.
Honestly, this is just a precautionary measure. Media coverage is creating unnecessary tension. Such advisories are common in areas with large gatherings. But the mobile phone rule seems outdated - even in 2024, banning multimedia phones is regressive. Education should evolve with the times.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.