Hundreds of people took part in a march organised to spread harmony at Belur on Monday. They included politicians, leaders of progressive organisations, and social activists.
They raised slogans favouring harmony among people belonging to different religions.
Recently, a few leaders of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal in Belur had demanded a ban on Muslim traders from taking part during the Channakeshava Jatra Mahotsava in the town. Following this, a Muslim shopkeeper was also asked to close her shop located on the premises of the historic temple. This development had prompted progressive organisations to take out a march favouring harmony.
Kodihalli Mutt seer Shivanand Shivayogi Swamy, addressing the gathering, said all religions upheld humanity and propagated peace and harmony. “Any attempt to divide people on the lines of religion and caste is highly condemnable. Nobody should make such attempts”, he said.
A few leaders of the Congress party also took part in the march.