Karnataka
Muslim vendors banned at Karnataka temple fairs, govt promises action
Bengaluru/IBNS: Muslim vendors in Karnataka have alleged that they have not been allowed to set up stalls at the traditional fair of Hosa Margudi temple in Udupi along the coastal regions.
Every year, more than 100 Muslim vendors set up stalls alongside Hindu stall owners.
But this time, the Muslim vendors have been banned.
The state government has promised action after posters came up across Karnataka demanding that Muslims not be allowed at temple fairs.
"We went and met the temple committee members," said Mohammad Arif, General Secretary of the Street Vendors Association in Udupi.
"But they told us that they would auction the slots only for Hindus. We had to agree. They for sure are under pressure," he added.
Officials in charge of the temple admit that they were pressured by right-wing organisations.
"Yes, we had the pressure from right-wing organisations... after discussions, we decided to ban," said Prashanth Shetty, Executive Officer, Hosa Marigudi Temple.
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