JD(S) leader and former Minister H.D. Revanna has urged the Hassan district administration to take action against those who want a ban on Muslim traders in festivals.
Speaking at a press conference in Hassan on Monday, Mr. Revanna said the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police should take action against people, parties and organisations demanding a ban on Muslim traders. “We are all like brothers. Whoever tries to create rift and divide society should be taught a lesson”, he said.
He said all these years there was no issue of banning any shopkeeper. “Nobody can stop people of a particular community from entering a temple. Similarly, there should not be a ban on any trader”, he said.
Members of progressive organisations staged a dharna in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office on the day urging the district administration not to heed the demand of pro-Hindutva groups to restrict Muslim traders in festivals.
Representatives of CPI(M), Dalit Sangharsha Samiti, Hasirubhoomi Trust, Tipu Sangharsha Samiti and others took part in the dharna. They said they would oppose any attempt to divide society on the basis of religion. The government should not listen to people demanding a ban on Muslim traders at Channakeshava Jatre in Belur, they added.
CPi(M) district secretary Dharmesh, DSS leaders H.K. Sandesh, Krishnadas, Tipu Sangharsha Samiti leader Mubashir Ahmed, artist K.T.Shivaprasad and others were present.
Recently pro-Hindutva groups had submitted a memorandum to the Belur taluk administration seeking a ban on Muslim traders during the Channakeshava Jatre in Belur to be held in April.
