More temple fairs and festivals in Karnataka prohibit Muslim traders from doing business

Bengaluru: The trend of banning Muslim traders from Karnataka temple fairs and festivals has spread to more districts in the state.

The trend which surfaced in coastal districts and capital Bengaluru, has made its way into Hassan, Tumakuru, Chikkamagalur, and Shivamogga districts, an IANS report said.

Temple authorities of historical Belur Channakeshava temple, Siddalingeshwara temple in Tumakuru district, Maha Ganapathy temple in Shivamogga have been appealed to allow only Hindu traders to conduct business in fairs which are organized on large scale by these authorities.

The state government’s official statement in this regard that they can’t help banning Muslim traders from temple premises and religious fairs has enabled Hindutva organizations to demand a ban on Muslim traders.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has urged the district authorities not to allow Muslims to participate in the world-famous Belur Channakeshava Rathotsava which will be held on April 13 and 14. Bajrang Dal activists have demanded that non-Hindus must not be allowed to carry out business at the famous Yediyur Siddalingeshwara fair from April 1. VHP has also urged not to allow Muslim businessmen in the historical Maha Ganapathy fair scheduled to be held on April 5, IANS reported.

Hindu activists have erected a banner in Gonibeedu village near Mudigere town in Chikkamagalur district saying they won’t allow those to carry out trade who do not respect the judiciary, who cut and eat sacred animal cow and challenge the integrity of the nation at Subramanyeshwara temple fair set to be held on March 27.

Recently, Hindu organizations banned Muslim traders in Puttur Marikamba fare, Mangaluru Maarikamba fare, Marigudi temple fare in Udupi. The memorandums have been submitted to ban Muslim traders from participating in Adda Gadde, Kigga fares near Sringeri in Chikkamagalur district.

Meanwhile, Srirama Sena Founder Pramod Muthalik has earlier stated that the ban on Muslim traders would continue until they do away with the habit of beef consumption. The movement of banning trade with Muslims has gathered steam in Karnataka. The crisis would continue until the change of mindset by Muslims, he stated. Muslim separatist mindset is dangerous to the country, he maintained.

In another important development, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad had asked the Muzrai department not to allow Muslim traders in any of the temples across the state.

Opposition Congress has slammed the ruling BJP government for the development and alleged that it is behind the crisis.

(With inputs from IANS)