Hubballi: People visiting Hubballi bore the brunt of traffic snarls following a massive rally involving hundreds of people belonging to Veerashaiva-Lingayat community held in the City. The protestors urged the government not to consider Veerashaiva and Lingayat as separate communities.

After taking out a rally from Yallapur Oni to Mini Vidhan Soudha, the protesters submitted a memorandum addressed to the CM to Tahasildar, asking him to recommend the Centre to declare Veerashaiva-Lingayat as an independent religion, after taking into account the views of seers of Panchapeethas and Shivacharyas.

Claiming independent religion status for Lingayats alone, is not correct and such efforts to divide the society should stop, they said while seeking action against the perpetrators of division, they said.

Akhila Bharata Veerashaiva Mahasabha should represent Veerashaiva-Lingayat community as one while there is no need for separate organisation, they added.

Sri Vimala Renuka Shivacharya Swamiji of Muktimandira, Sri Shivasiddharameshwara Swamiji of Sulla, Sri Gurusiddheshwara Shivacharya Swamiji of Shirkol, Sri Abhinava Shanthalinga Shivacharya Swamiji of Amminbhavi among others led the protest.

Panchacharyapeetha followers from Hubballi-Dharwad and surrounding districts participated in the protest.