On July 24th, the US State Department Spokesperson, Matthew Miller, addressed a query regarding directives from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. These directives required owners and workers of shops, restaurants, and carts to display their names along the Kanwar Yatra route and outside the Ujjain Mahakal Temple. The question came from Pakistani journalist Jahanzaib Ali, known for posing questions that often invite US commentary on India’s internal matters. Ali’s question and the subsequent response seemed somewhat orchestrated.
Ali asked, “Indian media reports that in some states, the BJP government is forcing Muslim restaurant owners to display their names, which they fear could lead to more problems due to rising hate against Muslims. What are your thoughts on such actions by any government?” Ali’s mechanical reading from his phone suggested a lack of genuine concern.
Response from Matthew Miller
Matthew Miller responded by referencing the Indian Supreme Court’s interim stay on the directive. He said, “We have seen those reports. We also know that the Indian Supreme Court on July 22nd issued an interim stay on those rules, so they are not currently in effect. Generally speaking, we are committed to promoting and protecting universal respect for the right of freedom of religion and belief for all, anywhere in the world, and we have discussed the importance of equal treatment for all religious communities with our Indian counterparts.”
Miller’s detailed and prepared response, despite the issue being a routine domestic matter for India, was notable. The Indian Supreme Court will review the matter again on July 26th. People could perceive the US State Department’s comment as an attempt to pressure the Indian judicial system and government. As of now, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not commented.
Overlooked Error in Ali’s Question
Interestingly, Miller did not correct a significant error in Ali’s question. The directives from the UP, MP, and Uttarakhand governments required all vendors to display their names, not just Muslims. This order, now stayed by the Supreme Court, applied to Hindu vendors as well. However, Ali implied that the directive targeted only Muslim vendors, which was misleading. Miller, despite being aware of the correct details, did not address this discrepancy.
Supreme Court’s Interim Relief
On July 22nd, the Supreme Court of India provided interim relief to petitioners challenging the directives from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. These directives required shopkeepers, eateries, hotels, and restaurants to display their names and their workers’ names prominently. The Muzaffarnagar police first issued the directive to ensure Kanwariyas could easily identify where to buy food items, facilitating their religious practice. However, petitioners argued that the directive was unconstitutional and discriminatory, promoting untouchability. The court allowed for future legislative intervention, with the next hearing scheduled for July 26th.
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