Karnataka Home Minister Cites Visa Concerns, Bars Foreign Clerics from Int’l Milad-un-Nabi Event.

Muslim Clerics from foreign countries won’t attend International Milad-un-Nabi event: Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara.

Hindutva groups and the BJP had flagged the participation of foreign Islamic scholars in the event, triggering a huge controversy.

B Upendran | HENB | Bengaluru | Sept 4, 2024:: In a significant development, Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G Parameshwara announced that foreign Muslim clerics will not attend the upcoming International Milad-un-Nabi Conference in Bengaluru. This decision comes after several Hindu groups, including the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and Struggle For Hindu Existence, raised concerns over the participation of foreign Islamic scholars in the event, citing potential visa violations.

The controversy began when a promotional advertisement for the event featured Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, and several ministers alongside four prominent foreign Islamic scholars from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Yemen. BJP leaders, including C N Ashwath Narayan and Bijapur City MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, criticized the state government for allowing foreigners to participate in a religious function, which they claimed was a violation of Indian visa regulations.

Mohan Gowda of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and Upananda Brahmachari of Struggle For Hindu Existence sounded the alarm against the violation of Indian visa regulations through the International Milad-un-Nabi Conference scheduled to take place on September 5th at Palace Ground Gate No. 1 in Bengaluru. The conference has been convened by the Joint Milad Committee, Bengaluru, K’taka.

Mohan Gowda of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti  had written a strong-worded letter to the Foreign Regional Registration Officer, Bengaluru, highlighting the potential visa violations and requesting authorities to take action. The letter emphasized the importance of upholding Indian immigration laws and maintaining national security.

In response to the concerns raised, Dr. Parameshwara confirmed that the police had directed the event organizers not to invite foreigners, citing potential visa violations. “We have asked the organizers to ensure that no foreigner is allowed to participate, speak, or even attend the religious event,” he said. The Karnataka Home Minister added that the Foreigners Regional Registration Office was closely monitoring the situation and would take action if the organizers failed to comply with the directions.

Minister for Minority Welfare B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan clarified that while foreign scholars might be present in Bengaluru at the time of the event, they would not be participating in the conference or delivering any speeches.

The state government has emphasized its commitment to adhering to the law and ensuring compliance with visa regulations. Dr. Parameshwara stated that the government would take all necessary measures to ensure that the event is conducted in accordance with the law.

The decision to bar foreign clerics from the Eid Milad-un-Nabi event has brought to the forefront the importance of adhering to visa regulations and respecting the laws of the land. As the event approaches, it remains to be seen how the organizers and authorities will work together to ensure a peaceful and law-abiding celebration.
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_Agency Inputs.