Bulandshahr police security for Kanwar Yatra fails to materialize

In a concerning development from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, police security arrangements for the ongoing Kanwar Yatra appear to have fallen short of promises made by the administration. On Monday morning, two key locations in Syana town, Garh Stand and Bugrasi Chauraha, were found completely deserted, with no police personnel present at the camps set up for the safety of Kanwar pilgrims.

At Garh Stand, a large tent marked “Pawan Kanwar Yatra 2026” was in place, along with barricades, banners, tables, and chairs. However, the camp was eerily empty, with no sign of police officers. The area was bustling with locals and shopkeepers going about their daily activities, but the absence of security personnel raised eyebrows.

Similarly, at Bugrasi Chauraha, a smaller camp labeled "Pink Booth Police" was found closed. Political posters adorned the site, but the camp itself was non-operational. Nearby shops were open, and motorcycles zipped past, but the promised police presence was nowhere to be seen.

This lapse has sparked frustration among local residents. “Every year, lakhs of Kanwariyas pass through this route. The administration made tall claims about security, but if there’s no one at the camps, who will ensure safety?” questioned a local shopkeeper. The lack of police presence has raised concerns about the safety of pilgrims, who rely heavily on these arrangements during the annual yatra.

The issue has also reignited criticism of the administration’s preparedness. District Panchayat representative Rafe Khan had recently questioned the state of lighting and security along the Kanwar route. The sight of empty camps now adds fuel to the fire, with many questioning the efficacy of the authorities’ planning and execution.

As the Kanwar Yatra continues, the absence of security personnel at critical points underscores a pressing need for the administration to address these concerns promptly.