Sunil Lohan
A peace meeting was convened in Goni village of Turuvekere taluk following an incident in which a Dalit newlywed couple was allegedly humiliated and asked to leave a temple.
The incident had taken place on February 19 at the Arasamma Devi Temple.In response,a peace meeting was organised in the village on Tuesday.
After the meeting,Turuvekere Tahsildar M.N.Kum Ahmed personally escorted the couple into the temple, holding their hands, and ensured they offered prayers.
Amid police bandobast,the Dalit couple entered the temple and had darshan of the village deity.
Addressing the gathering,the Tahsildar said that a government temple is not anyone’s private property.
As the Arasamma Devi Temple comes under the Muzrai Department,it is open to all devotees without discrimination.
He warned that strict action would be taken if such incidents recur in the taluk and advised villagers from all communities to maintain harmony and communal amity.
Officials said the situation in the village,which had witnessed tension following the incident, is now under control after the peace meeting.
