The Mysuru police in Karnataka Tuesday prevented two opposing groups from staging marches, maintaining law and order amid rising tensions over the recent controversy surrounding the invitation of International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Dasara.
The Hindu Jagarana Vedike and allied right-wing organisations had planned a ‘Chamundi Hill Chalo’ march in protest against inviting Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Dasara and also against Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s statement that Hindu temples don’t exclusively belong to Hindus.
On the other hand, Dalit Mahasabha members attempted a counter-march in support of Banu Mushtaq. The Mysuru city police denied permission to both organisers.
However, on Tuesday, around 9 am, when protesters gathered at Kurubarahalli Circle on Chamundi Hill Road to march to the hilltop Chamundeshwari temple, the police took them into custody, including MLA TS Srivathsa. The legislator criticised the police action, questioning arrests when no prohibitory orders were in place.
Police officers convinced both group leaders that the demonstrations could create law and order issues, as neither protest had received proper permission.
More than 500 police personnel were deployed to prevent the entry of activists to Chamundi hills.
The BJP and right-wing organisations have been against the Karnataka government’s decision to invite Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Dasara. The controversy stems from an old video, in which she has reportedly expressed reservations about worshipping the Kannada language as “Goddess Bhuvaneshwari”, and has stated that it was exclusionary to people like her (minorities).
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Celebrated as ‘Nada Habba’ (state festival), the Dasara or ‘Sharan Navaratri’ festivities in the “royal city” of Mysuru is expected to be a grand affair this year, depicting Karnataka’s rich culture and traditions, coupled with reminiscence of royal pomp and glory.
Dasara celebration will begin in Mysuru from September 22 and culminate on ‘Vijayadashami’, which falls on October 2.
Dalit Sangharsha Samiti, a pro-Dalit organisation which usually celebrates Mahisha Dasara in the name of Mahisha, who they believe is not a demon but a king who spread Buddhism in the region. This year, they have decided to skip the celebrations after the government announced Banu Mushtaq’s name.