Amid attempts by several groups to not allow Muslim traders to set up stalls in temples, Karnataka Home Minister Araga Gyanendra on Wednesday sought a report from the police. He assured that the government would keep a close watch on the law and order situation in the state.
Gyanendra said, “I have seen this (Muslim traders not being allowed to set up stalls in temples) in the media. I have sought a report from the police officials. The state government is keeping a close watch and preventing any untoward incident.” will take action.”
Following the hijab controversy in Karnataka, several temple authorities and fairs’ organizing committees have banned Muslim traders from setting up stalls. For years Muslims have been setting up stalls in temples at such annual fairs.
In the backdrop of protests against wearing hijab in educational institutions, some temple authorities and organizing committees have barred them (Muslims) from participating in the festival, which is the first such incident in the state. Several organizations had objected to the participation of Muslim traders, as many of them closed their shops in protest against the Karnataka High Court’s decision upholding the state’s ban on hijab in educational institutions.
The organizing committee of the historic ‘Kote Marikamba Jatra’ in Shivamogga has also said that only Hindus can set up stalls during the five-day festival beginning March 22. A local trader said that only Hindu shopkeepers will open stalls from Wednesday after Goddess Marikamba is shifted to the temple.
The Jatra committee held a meeting last Friday to decide on the modalities to open the stalls, which are an important source of income for the temple. Speaking to ANI, Shobith, a local leader of Bajrang Dal said that this step has been taken to avoid untoward incidents in the backdrop of hijab controversy.
VHP leader Deen Dayal said, “In the past people of all religions were allowed to set up stalls. This year we have decided to allow only Hindu shopkeepers.” Jatra committee president Mariyappa KS said he had no role in not allowing Muslims to set up stalls.
Mangaluru Police Commissioner N. Shashi Kumar has assured appropriate action against those who put up provocative posters around Bappanadu Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple. Shashi Kumar said, “We have taken cognizance of the incident of ‘Bappanadu Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple’. The local administration and temple authority have also taken note of the issue and we will take appropriate action.”