Muslim Vendors Banned At Karnataka Temple Fairs, State Promises Action
NDTV
The state government has promised action after posters came up across Karnataka demanding that Muslims not be allowed at temple fairs.
The traditional fair at the Hosa Margudi temple in Udupi along Karnataka's coast has never discriminated between who sets up stalls - Hindu or Muslim. 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.
