Iftar meet by Pejawar seer is an insult to Hindu community, says Mutalik

In a first of its kind, Paryaya Pejawar Mutt seer Sri Vishvesha Tirtha had hosted an Iftar meet for Muslims at Udupi temple premises Muslims were offered fruits and allowed to offer prayers at the temple premises But Sriram Sene founder is criticising this move hailed as "revolutionary" to promote peace and harmony

While an Iftar meet organised by the Udupi Paryaya Pejawar Mutt seer Sri Vishvesha Tirtha is being hailed as a revolutionary move, certain Hindu fundamentalists are criticising the move to no end. Sriram Sene founder, Pramod Mutalik has condemned the seer's  move in strong words stating it was an "insult" to the Hindu community.

Mutalik held a closed-door meeting with Pejawar seer at the Badagu Malige on the Sri Krishna Mutt and temple premises here, reports The Hindu. Speaking to reporters, while Pejawar seer defended his move, Pramod Mutalik told reporters that a protest will be held to condemn the gesture on July 2.

The seer had organised 'Souharda Uphara Koota' for the members of the Muslim community to break their fast at the temple premises on Saturday. The Muslims were offered Banana, watermelon and apple and the seer himself served dates to the fasting Muslim members, it is said. They were also offered 'kashaya' made of black pepper and cashews. Later, they were also allowed to pray at the Annabrahma building in the mutt premises raising a many eyebrows. The seer claimed this meet as harmony breakfast meet and hoped to spread peace and co-existence in the region, battered with communal clashes. "Muslims have a lot of affection for me in Mangaluru, Kasaragod and Bhatkal. They too have given their offering during the Paryaya festival. People from all regions must to be tolerant and co-exist peacefully," the seer was quoted by the Indian Express. Minister UT Khader had hailed the seer's move.

But Pramod Mutalik vehemently opposed this. "Lord Krishna is known as the protector of cows. But inviting those who kill cows and eat beef is not correct," reports The Hindu quoting Mutalik. "We risk our lives while fighting on the streets to protect cow. But the seer's move of inviting Muslims to the Mutt cannot be accepted, especially, when the Pejawar seer guides the Hindu religion and Vishwa Hindu Parishad," Mutalik said. Mutalik has threatened to hold a state-wide protest on July 2.