Firoz Rozindar 

Bengaluru: Aftermath of Hijab row, the Muslims in Karnataka are facing a 'trade boycott' at temple premises. Rightwing groups backed by RSS have instructed all temples authorities, come under the Muzarai department not to allow Muslim traders to put stalls during the annual Jatras 

The controversy surfaced a few days ago when it was reported that some right-wing people have not only objected to Muslims from doing any business outside the temple during the Jatra but also placed banners in this regard.

Many temples in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts have followed the instructions of RSS-backed rightwing groups and put a banner at temple premises stating that Muslim traders are not allowed to do trade during the annual fair of temples. 

The action, which is clearly aimed at creating one more round of communal tension in the State, has already taken a political turn with the members of opposition parties raising the issues in the assembly session.

It may be noted that a noted temple in Udupi, Hosa Margudi has been known for religious harmony. The temple had never seen any instances of Hindu-Muslim conflicts as people of both communities had been doing business peacefully near the temple premises.

The Hindus and Muslims both set up their stalls during the Jatra for living, and nobody had objected to it as the poor people were installing temporary shops to eke out a living.

But now, things are changing and Muslim traders are worried as they have been banned from setting up stalls by allowing only Hindus to do so.

But after the videos of banners banning Muslims from doing business went viral, the matter became serious forcing the State government to intervene.

The government has assured to take action against those who have placed such banners, but assurances do not seem to have any significant impact on hate mongers.

Meanwhile, the Muslim traders said that they met the temple authorities to know the reason, but the committee makers said bluntly that the shops will be auctioned only to Hindus and discouraged Muslims from participating in the bid.

The committee members are reportedly being forced by some right-wing outfits not to allow Muslims to do trade during Jatra.

The temple committee also admitted candidly that they are doing so because of the pressure from right-wing groups.

Meanwhile, Muslim traders believe that the right-wing members are angry with Muslims for calling a state-wide band over Hijab order. Since they are upset, they are ‘taking revenge’ in this way by forcing Muslims to stay away from Jatra business.

What is surprising and heartwarming is that when Hindu outfits are against the Muslims setting up their stall during Jatran, the other Hindu traders are unhappy with the banning.

They said that for years, traders of both communities have been doing business peacefully during the Jatra.

Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra has sought reports from police, assuring that the government will keep a close watch on the law and order situation in the state.

Box: Deputy leader of the Opposition U.T.Khadar has raised the issue in the Assembly on Tuesday, he urged the state government not to allow discrimination among Muslim and Hindu traders. Muslims have been doing business during annual fairs of temples for many years.

Harmoney should have prevailed and government should instruct the Muzarai department in this regard. However Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has not given any specific assurance to Congress leader, but he said that government will examine the matter.

It may be recalled that the Karnataka High Court has given a verdict stating that wearing Hijab is not an essential religious practice of Muslims and Cout has upheld the government order banning hijabs in the colleges. 

After the court verdict, Muslim organizations have protested and stated that they will not follow the court verdict. Meanwhile Muslim students have challenged the verdict before the Supreme Court.