Karnataka VHP leader launches campaign to boycott Muslim traders at Hindu temple fairs, booked

Agarwal said, “Pumpwell along with his followers planted saffron flags on the shops owned by members of the Hindu community in the vicinity of Sri Mangaladevi Temple. He also gave a statement there urging Hindus to purchase their items of necessity only from shops owned and run by members of the Hindu community”.

“This statement and act of his create enmity on grounds of religion. Based upon the complaint of PSI (L&O) Mangaluru South Police Station Manohar Prasad, a case was registered at Mangaluru South Police Station against Sharan Pumpwell and others,” added the police commissioner.

With temple fairs season starting in coastal Karnataka, the VHP and Sanathana Hindu Vyaparasthara Sangha have been opposing allowing non-Hindus to participate in business at the fairs.

Last week, Sharan Pumpwell and his followers tied “bhagwa dhwaja” on the stalls owned by Hindu traders at Mangaladevi temple in Mangaluru city. It was seen as a message to devotees to buy things only at stalls owned by the Hindus.

Pumpwell told reporters he or his organisation was not against Muslims carrying out business but against those who put up stalls near temples during Hindu festivities. He said, “If someone doesn’t believe in idol worship why should they be allowed to carry out business near temples?”

Dakshina Kannada Street Vendors Welfare Association honorary president B K Imthiyaz said since they have been unable to stop the non-Hindus from taking part in the auctioning of the stalls, they have engaged in such cheap politics by tying the saffron flag. “This is not the first time and the business won’t be affected by it,” he added.

The controversy started last year in the coastal Karnataka area and later spread to other parts with campaigns launched to prevent Muslims from participating in Hindu temple fairs.