Mangaluru: Flex at old Port triggers row

Mangaluru: Flex at old Port triggers row

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sep 25, 2023: A flex banner in the name of ‘Hasimeenu Vyaparasthara Sangha’ (fresh fish merchants association) from Bunder allegedly asking all fish sellers to mandatorily avail leave for Eid Milad on September 28 has gone viral and triggered a controversy.

 

The banner’s directive explicitly states that individuals who fail to adhere to these regulations will face consequences, including a prohibition on engaging in fishing activities at the port and being ineligible for support from the association, along with the imposition of penalties. In response to this, Sharan Pumpwell, a prominent figure within the VHP (Vishva Hindu Parishad), expressed his disapproval via a Facebook post and urged the authorities to take legal action against those responsible for displaying the banner.

Meanwhile, K Ashraf, the President of the Mangaluru Fish Port Raw Fish Sellers and Commission Agents’ Association, clarified that the association arrived at a decision after consulting with various stakeholders. Their objective was to prevent conflicts in business operations by declaring holidays for Hindu, Christian, and Muslim festivals. Accordingly, three holidays each were designated for Hindu and Muslim festivals, while Christian festivals were allocated two holidays. A similar banner has been displayed, urging all stakeholders not to work on Eid Milad, and Ashraf noted that they had also observed a holiday for Ganesha Chaturthi.