Hindu Jagarana Vedike Activists #fundie m.timesofindia.com

Hindutva group’s flex against non-Hindus triggers controversy in Mangaluru, removed

MANGALURU: A flex banner allegedly put up by a saffron outfit warning non-Hindus against setting up stalls during annual fair at a temple in Surathkal was removed after it stoked controversy.

The notice purportedly put-up by Hindu Jagarana Vedike's local unit at Sri Maha Ganapathy temple, Ganeshpura, Katipalla read: "It will hold its annual fair from April 19 to April 23. During the fair, non-Hindus are prohibited from opening their shops."

According to Ningaiah, temple executive officer, said the HJV activists had not consulted temple authorities before putting up the notice and he was not aware of such a warning. He said participation of non-Hindus in the annual fair is a kind of tradition here and every year, they erect stalls and participate in the fair. "We never opposed it," he said.

After like-minded people alerted temple authorities, a complaint was filed at Surathkal Police Station claiming that such posters trigger communal violence. Ningaiah said based on complaint, police have removed the flex from the temple premises.

Condemning HJV move, a devotee said the vedike has no business to interfere in the temple affairs. "Temple administration has the right to allow or disallow non-Hindus. Why should Vedike interfere," he questioned.

Four years ago a similar controversy was stoked during a saffron outfit organizations convention held in the city. Organisations had organized various games during the event for public but it restrained people participating from 'non-Hindu' communities.

M Chandra Sekhar, City Police Commissioner, said at present temple authorities have filed a complaint but no section have been registered. "We are recourse to legal opinion on how the persons can be booked for stirring enmity and based on experts advise police will go ahead," he pointed out.

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