Police Mediate Dispute Over Muslim-Owned Shops at Jabalpur Temple During Ganesh Festival

Jabalpur, September 22 (Daily Kiran) : A dispute arose at the Shri Siddh Ganesh Hanuman Temple in Jabalpur during the Ganesh festival, concerning shops operated by Muslim traders. The situation escalated late Monday night when members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal protested, claiming that non-Hindus were allowed to set up shops within the temple premises.Upon receiving reports of the unrest, Additional Superintendent of Police Suryakant Sharma promptly dispatched a team to the scene. He stated that complaints had been made about the ownership of the shops, which were alleged to be run by Muslim merchants. Sharma emphasized that the temple committee manages the premises and has the authority to determine who can operate shops there. The dispute was resolved through dialogue and mediation, leading to a peaceful conclusion.Both parties eventually calmed down, and the situation returned to normal. The temple committee denied the allegations that it permitted non-Hindu traders to operate within the temple grounds. Protesters voiced concerns over the presence of Muslim traders and questioned the allocation of temporary stalls during the festival. Their demonstration attracted a crowd, prompting police intervention. Authorities reported that they engaged with the involved parties and managed to control the situation without any incidents.A police officer confirmed that no complaints of violence or other disturbances had been received, and the temple environment remained calm. During the Ganesh festival, the temple typically sees a large influx of devotees, leading to the establishment of temporary stalls to cater to visitors' needs. The police are monitoring the situation closely and will take appropriate action if any violations of the law are reported. This incident occurred amid heightened surveillance at religious sites and festival venues, particularly in areas with large crowds.