Karnataka: Ban On Muslim Shopkeepers Near Temples!

The annual fair conducted every year at the Hosa Margudi temple in Udupi, Karnataka, has never discriminated against Hindu-Muslims. Every year, about a hundred Muslim and Hindu traders set up stalls at this fair. The Muslim vendors, on the other hand, have been barred from the fair this year. The state government has promised to take action in this regard after posters announcing the restriction on Muslims entering the temple were posted all over the place.

Muslims are not permitted to set up stalls not just at temple fairs but also on roadways, according to UT Khadar, the Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly and a Congress leader. JC Madhuswamy, the Law Minister, has stated that the government will not prolong the prohibition.

"The government is not backing such limitations and such conduct," Madhuswamy said in an interview with the Press Trust of India. "If banners are put up outside the premises, we will take action."

Karnataka Home Minister Araga Gyanendra has requested a police report and promised that the state's law and order situation will be closely monitored by the administration.