Uttar Pradesh Police’s latest directive asking eateries on the Kanwar yatra route in Muzaffarnagar to display their owner’s names has caused massive outrage.

The opposition has linked the move to “apartheid” in South Africa and policies in Hitler’s Germany.

The names of the owners were asked to be displayed to avoid confusion during the religious procession.

The controversial move aims to ensure, according to the UP police, there is no confusion among the kanwarias and no allegations are raised in the future.

Justifying their move, the police stated that this order is not intended to generate religious discrimination but only to facilitate the devotees.

Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage by Lord Shiva devotees which will begin on July 22.

Despite the clarification of the issue, a massive backlash has erupted with many leaders including Akhilesh Yadav, Asaduddin Owaisi, and many others criticising the directive.