Shivamogga: At the behest of Hindutva groups, the organising committee of the historic Kote Marikamba Jatra in Shivamogga has not allowed Muslim shopkeepers to set up stalls during the five-day festival beginning on March 22.
On the demand of leaders of the BJP, Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad that no Muslim be allowed to do business during the festival, the festival committee has been forced to allot the tender to a Hindutva group.
Held once in two years, Kote Marikamba Jatre, attracts lakhs of people from neighbouring cities and districts and is taken part by people from all castes.
According to The Hindu, earlier the shops were allotted to Muslim traders too. But, when they went to put up stalls on March 17 night, a few Hindutva activists picked up an argument and asked them not to set up shops at the jatre (fair). Finally the tender was given to Hindutva groups for allotment of shops as per their wish.
Hindutva leaders have cited the recent murder of Hindutva activist Harsha at Shivamogga to defend their argument.
However, the organising committee of jatre is not happy with the development.
