Notice discriminating non-Hindus, brought down

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Apr 23, 2016: It is reported that a flex notice said to be erected by a saffron outfit warning non-Hindus against setting up stalls during annual fair at a temple in Surathkal was removed after it caused controversy and objections were raised.

The notice said to be put-up by Hindu Jagarana Vedike’s local unit at Sri Maha Ganapathy temple, Ganeshpura, Katipalla in translation reads: "At the annual fair from April 19 to April 23, non-Hindus are prohibited from opening stalls in the festive area."

 Ningaiah, temple executive officer stated that the HJV activists had not consulted temple authorities before putting up the notice and he was not aware. He went on to say that participation of non-Hindus in the annual fair is a normal tradition here and every year, they erect stalls and participate in the fair. "It is never opposed, by anybody

People alerted temple authorities, a complaint was filed at Surathkal Police Station claiming that such posters trigger communal violence. Ningaiah said based on complaint, police have removed the flex from the temple premises.   Condemning HJV move, a devotee said the vedike has no business to interfere in the temple affairs. "Temple administration is solely responsible. Vedike has no mandate to interfere," he stated.

Four years ago a similar controversy was there by a saffron organization convention in the city. Games were  organized during the event for public but it restrained ’non-Hindu’ communities from participating.