Hindu activists call for banning Muslim sculptors, mango traders in Karnataka

Bengaluru: Muslim mango traders and sculptors making idols of Hindu Gods are reported to be the next target of Hindu outfits that had clamoured for banning Muslim traders from temple fairs, reports say.

Meanwhile, the Hindu organisations are getting ready to challenge in the court the halal certification in the country, according to IANS.

These organisations are prepared to wage a legal battle questioning the system of halal certification against the Food Safety and Standards Association of India (FSSAI), the governing and monitoring body of food business in India, it said.

As well as reportedly preparing a list of halal products, the outfits will take the matter to court terming halal certification illegal, citing that FSSI is the only authority to certify food.

Ruling BJP obviously distanced itself from banning mango traders. The report said that the party was silent on other issues. Meanwhile, Opposition Congress and JD(S) pulled up BJP for these developments.

AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi has stated that the Karnataka government was enforcing untouchability on Muslims, the report said.

Melukote Cheluvanaraya Swamy temple Sthanik Srinivasan on Thursday said that he would campaign for banning Muslim sculptors making Hindu idols in the state. Installing in the temples the idols made by Muslim sculptors, according to him, is against the tradition.

Sri Ram Sena has also extended support to idol ban calling upon temple authorities not to get any idols made by the Muslim sculptors.

Meanwhile, the campaign to ban Muslim traders in mango trade has gained momentum in the state, the report said.

The Hindu activists are running an online campaign to wrest the mango wholesale trade from the Muslim businessmen.

Chandru Moger, Hindu Janajagruthi Samiti coordinator appealed to Hindus to buy fruits from only Hindu vendors and boycott Muslim traders.