Controversy Over Police Directive to Identify Workers During Hindu Holy Month

Police in northern India have asked restaurant owners to list their workers' names during a Hindu holy month, raising concerns of a communal divide targeting Muslims. This directive, intended to prevent dietary violations by devotees of Lord Shiva, has sparked opposition accusations of religious discrimination and potential economic boycotts.

Police in northern India have instructed restaurant owners to display the names of their workers during a Hindu holy month, a move sparking fears of targeting Muslims and fostering a communal divide.

This directive caters to hundreds of thousands of Lord Shiva devotees who undertake a pilgrimage and follow strict dietary rules, such as abstaining from meat. Police officials in Muzaffarnagar, U.P., claim it's a routine request to prevent dietary violations.

Opposition leaders criticize the directive as a ploy to deepen communal rifts and promote economic boycotts against Muslims. The region has a history of communal violence, adding to the sensitivity of the issue.

(With inputs from agencies.)