Banke Bihari rejects 'Muslim boycott' call

AGRA: Vrindavan 's famous Banke Bihari temple has dismissed suggestions from right-wing groups protesting against the Pahalgam attack that Muslims rendering services to the shrine be boycotted.

Banke Bihari priest and member of the temple's administration committee, Gyanendra Kishore Goswami said Monday: "It is not practical. Muslims, particularly artisans and weavers , have deep-rooted contributions here. They've played a major role in weaving the dresses of Banke Bihari for decades. Many of them have a strong belief in Banke Bihari and visit the temple too."

'In Vrindavan, crowns, bangles for deity made by Muslims'

Protesters in Mathura and Vrindavan had urged Hindu shopkeepers and pilgrims "not to trade with the minority community". The groups also asked Muslim shop-owners to "write proprietors' names on business establishments".

Goswami told TOI: "In Vrindavan, some of the intricate crowns and bangles for the deity are made by them (Muslims). Yes, those terrorists (in Pahalgam) should be punished severely and we're totally with govt. But in Vrindavan, Hindus and Muslims live together in peace and harmony." Most of the priests and locals were in agreement with what Goswami said.

Not far from the temple, Javed Ali, who runs a shop under the name 'Star Mukut' and was told to comply or move out, said the priests' stand has given them much-needed succour. "They (the protesters) came to my shop and asked us to put the name of the proprietor on the signboard. I've been running this shop for over 20 years. My father worked here as a tailor. Whenever a customer buys things, I usually give them a bill receipt with my name and mobile number on it. We have nothing to hide. With the blessings of Banke Bihari, this place is always peaceful," Ali said.

Nikhil Aggarwal, whose shop is next to Ali's, added they've never had any problem and often support each other. Police said they were yet to receive a formal complaint.