BENGALURU: Muslim traders have reportedly been barred from setting up shops for the festival at the Hosa Margudi temple in Udupi. The state government has said it will take action on the issue following posters appeared across Karnataka demanding that Muslims not be allowed in temple festivals.
In previous years, the festival at the temple was traded without any distinction between Hindus and Muslims. More than 100 Muslim vendors set up stalls here every year. But this time the temple authorities came to the scene and stopped it. NDTV quoted temple officials as saying that this was due to pressure from some right-wing organizations.
‘We went and met the temple committee members and they told us that the decision was to auction the stalls only for Hindus. We had to admit this. They are under pressure from some organizations, ”said Mohammad Arif, general secretary of the Udupi Street Vendors Association.
The Endowment Act states that the buildings or premises of the temple cannot be ceded to non-Hindus. However, for years Hindus and Muslims have been peacefully attending the fair at the Hosa Marigudi Temple. There are indications that the recent controversy over the hijab may have prompted some organizations to do so.
The government has promised to take action following the issue is discussed in the state assembly. Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly and Congress leader UT Khader said that Muslims are not allowed to set up stalls not only in temple fairs but also in the streets. But Law Minister Madhuswamy said the government would not encourage such a ban. He added that the government would take action if banners were placed outside the temple premises.
Karnataka Home Minister Araga Gyanendra has sought a report from the police on the incident, promising that the government would closely monitor the law and order situation in the state.
