Mangaluru
A delegation led by DYFI State President Muneer Katipalla and Congress leader MG Hegde met District Minister Dinesh Gundurao demanding strict action against Bajrang Dal and VHP leaders for disturbing communal harmony in the region, by requesting the Mangaladevi temple authorities not to allot stalls for non-Hindu vendors during Navaratri celebrations.
Muneer Katipalla, General Secretary, Joint Forum of Secular Parties and Organisations, said that tying saffron flags to the stalls set up by Hindus, and asking devotees to boycott non-Hindu traders is a clear violation of constitutional provisions and criminal laws. Though VHP leader Sharan Pumpwell and his supporters have been continuously indulging in activities that disturb communal harmony; the police have been soft on them which has led to worry among people. Hence criminal cases should be booked against them, he said.
Muneer alleged that Bajrang Dal is indulging in such activities with an eye on the 2024 Lok Sabha election, and the BJP is using the right-wing organisation to polarise the votes on the basis of religion. For generations, vendors of all faiths have been establishing stalls near the temple during the festival. The temple celebration has consistently remained free from any communal implications, attracting individuals from various backgrounds, irrespective of their religion, caste, or community. This inclusive spirit is even extended to Muslim women and children, who fearlessly witnessed the Dasara celebrations.The VHP and Bajrang Dal are disturbing communal harmony by targeting the Dasara festivities of this temple. Their appeal to the temple committee not to allow Muslim vendors appeared as a threat, he said.
