Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (MS)

Bantwal, Dec 19: A controversy has erupted after youths of Billawa community, who had gone to offer prayers at the Kundadka Daivasthana at Vittlamudnoor village in Vittal here on Friday, December 17, were allegedly not allowed to enter the premises of the temple.

The construction work on Daivasthana at Pilinja has been completed. As a precursor to the Brahmakalasha of the Daivasthana, two youths of Billawa community, along with president of Brahmakalasha committee of the new Daivasthana at Pilinja, had gone to Kundadka Daivasthana to offer prayers.

However, it is alleged that the person, who is in charge of the Kundadka Daivasthana, told the president of the Brahmakalashan committee that Billawas cannot enter the premises. The president accordingly asked the Billawa youths, who were accompanying him to leave.

The Billawa youths, who felt offended, conveyed the matter to the leaders of the Billawa community. In addition, they also made the matter viral on social media. In the midst of these developments, when the president, who took the said youths with him to the Kundadka Daivasthana, was approached, he is said to have given some 'lame' excuse.

The issue came up for discussion in various Billawa groups and meetings were held by the Billawa organisations of Kundadka and Vittal areas. Vittal Yuvavahini members also held a meeting to condemn the incident.

Later, when the incharge of Kundadka Daivasthana was contacted over the phone, it is learnt that he said that it was the custom followed in the said Daivasthana but he had not asked the youths to leave the premises. The incharge also said that if his words had hurt the anyone's sentiments he would apologise.

In the meantime, some of the Billawa organisations have reportedly warned that they would hold strong protests if Billawas are not allowed in Kundadka Daivasthana in future.