Ban of Merchants Belonging to Particular Religion During Navaratri: Request Submitted to Remove The Ban

Dakshina Kannada and Udupi District Festival Traders Coordination Committee has submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada to intervene and take action against the ban on merchants belonging to a particular religion during temple fairs as the city is all set to celebrate Navaratri festival from October 15.

Committee honorary president Sunil Kumar Bajal stated in a memorandum that Muslim traders are not allowed to conduct business during Hindu festival fairs. Muslim traders were given space to conduct business during the Navaratri festival at Sri Mangaladevi Temple in the city every year. While the festival will be held at the temple this year from October 15 to 24, Muslim traders have been denied space to conduct business. It has affected a large number of merchants, who depend only on festival fairs for their livelihood. Their right to life is being snatched away.

Merchants also urged the Mangaluru City Corporation authorities to take necessary action in this regard.