Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Mar 23: A banner displayed near Bappanadu Goddess Durgaparameshwari temple and the Mulky bus stand have announced that Muslims cannot pitch their stalls at the annual fair of the temple. Now, hereditary and managing trustees of the temple have clarified that the temple has nothing to do with these banners.

Hereditary trustee of the temple, Dugganna Sawanth of Mulky Seeme and managing trustee N S Manohar Shetty have given this clarification.

Speaking to media persons, hereditary trustee of the temple, Dugganna Sawanth, reiterated that the banner was not set up by the temple. He said that no restrictions have been set against the Muslims conducting their trade in the annual festival of the temple. He clarified that some of the Muslim traders have removed the shops set up by them on their own, to make sure that no unsavoury incidents happen at the annual fair.

Managing trustee of the temple, M S Manohar Shetty, also stated that the temple has not placed any restriction on the people of different religions from conducting business at the annual fair of the temple. He pointed out that if any unwarranted incidents happen, it would be not possible to extend protection to everyone. Therefore he said, people willing to conduct business here are made aware of the situation and if they agree to the same, business licences are issued.

Sometime back, banners barring Muslims from taking part in the annual fair of Bappanadu temple had been hung near the said temple and the bus stand. The managing committee which held emergency meeting in the morning, had removed the banners issued in the name of the temple committee. Thereafter, some miscreants exhibited new banner in the name of all the Hindu brethren, it is learnt.