A contentious situation arose at the fish port in Mangaluru, Karnataka, due to the presence of a banner announcing the requirement for a mandatory holiday and the closure of businesses in observance of Eid Milad-un-Nabi on September 28.
This banner, which was prominently displayed on Sunday, explicitly conveyed that sellers of raw fish meat were obligated to take leave on September 28 in observance of Eid Milad-un-Nabi. It further warned that individuals found engaging in fish sales on that day would be subject to a one-month suspension.
The controversy surrounding the banner has pitted two groups against each other: the Mangaluru Port Raw Fish Sellers and Commission Agents’ Association and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP).
In response to the banner, Sharan Pumpwell, a prominent leader of the VHP, encouraged fishermen not to yield to such threats, as indicated in a social media post. Pumpwell also urged law enforcement authorities to promptly take action against those responsible for erecting the banner.
In contrast, K Ashraf, the president of the Mangaluru Port Raw Fish Sellers and Commission Agents’ Association, offered clarification regarding the decision to halt fishing activities. He explained that this decision was made collaboratively by various associations and organizations associated with the fish trade.
Ashraf emphasized that it is a longstanding tradition at the Mangaluru fish port to display such banners and make announcements through public address systems during various festivals, including Eid Milad-un-Nabi, to ensure the observance of mandatory holidays for Muslims and adherents of other religions within the association.
He further noted that the practice of closing markets during festivals is not unique to Eid Milad-un-Nabi but is consistently observed during Hindu and Christian festivals as well. This practice has been in place for numerous years and is applied during various occasions, including Barkur Pooja, Ucchila Pooja, Ganesha Chaturthi, Eid-ul-Fitr, Bakrid, Eid Milad, Good Friday, and Christmas.
