Ponda, June 12 (TNN): Claiming that the Belgavi-Karnataka based Sriram Sena chief Pramod Muthalik is a staunch Hindu leader, the ongoing Hindu convention has criticized the ban imposed on his entry in Goa state.

National guide of Hindu janajagruti samiti (HJS), Charudatta Pingale said that Muthalik can freely enter Kashmir where Article 370 is being implemented, but, not in Goa. BJP government, which boasts itself as pro-Hindutva has imposed a ban on his entry in the state. Banning his entry is an infringement on the freedom of movement as enshrined in the Constitution, as Muthalik is neither involved in any unlawful activity in Goa nor has he worked for any banned outfit in the state, Pingale said.

As a result of this ban Muthalik could not attend this convention, the leaders regretted.

Muthalik has sought the permission from the high court of Bombay at Goa to relax the ban on his entry in Goa to attend the meet.

The matter had come up for hearing on Thursday and another hearing will be held on June 15, said Muthalik's lawyer Nagesh Takbhate.

Both the district collectors in Goa have imposed a ban on Muthalik's entry in Goa and he has moved an application in the court to relax the ban, Takbhate said.