Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru Mar 23: "The non-Hindus should not be allowed to do business during temple feast," VHP regional secretary Sharan Pumpwell said supporting the ban on people of other religions setting up stalls in Hindu temple festivals.

Addressing the media here on Wednesday March 23, Sharan Pumpwell urged the government to implement orders as per the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Rules 2002, 31 (12) which says no property including land, building or sites situated near the institution shall be leased out to non-Hindus. "We have submitted a memorandum to Minister Shashikala Jolle which states that tender should not be given to non-Hindus to do business at the temple during the feast," he added.

Sharan Pumpwell also said, "We welcome the move by the temple administration for the decision of restricting non-Hindus from setting up their business during the temple feasts. If non-Hindus are adamant to do business during the temple feast, we will fight back."

"In the recent times, Hindus are being attacked, cows stolen, conversions, love jihad are happening. They had even called for a bandh over Hijab row verdict. They even closed down medical shops, milk which has never happened in our history. We support the temple's decision restricting non-Hindus. So far the non-Hindus were doing lakhs worth of business during the temple festivals> Now the locals have raised questions over it," said Sharan Pumpwell.

When asked about a Kadri temple woman trustee allegedly swindling temple money, Sharan Pumpwell said, "The issue has come to our notice> Probe needs to be done if the trustee is guilty of the offence and necessary action taken by the temple administration."

VHP district secretary Shivanand Mendon, convenor Bujanga Kulal, district convenor Puneeth Attavar and others were present.