Madurai (Tamil Nadu), Feb 4 (PTI) – The usually tranquil town of Thiruparankundram in Madurai has been turned into a heavily fortified zone as over 4,000 police personnel, drawn from 10 districts, have been deployed following prohibitory orders imposed by the Madurai district administration. The heightened security measures come in response to a protest call by the Hindu Munnani against the alleged consumption of non-vegetarian food on the revered Thiruparankundram hill.
Authorities have detained at least eight activists from the Hindu Munnani as a precautionary step to prevent any law and order issues. The controversy erupted after a section of people reportedly consumed non-vegetarian food on the hill, which is home to the famous Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple, a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya (Murugan). The hill is also the site of the Sikandar Badusha Dargah, reflecting the area's historical religious coexistence.
A senior police official confirmed the detentions and reiterated that the security measures were necessary to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incidents. Meanwhile, a leader of the Hindu Munnani stated that the organization's legal team had challenged the district administration's prohibitory orders at the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court.
Political tensions have also flared over the issue, with BJP senior leader H. Raja strongly condemning the arrests. Criticizing the Tamil Nadu police, he remarked that while national agencies were engaged in apprehending terrorists, the state police were detaining members of Hindu organizations attempting to stage a peaceful demonstration. "This situation will change one day," he warned.
Hindu Munnani state president Kadeshwara Subramaniam termed the ban on protests as a "suppression of democratic rights and the sentiments of devotees." He warned that his organization would not hesitate to launch a "freedom struggle for Hindus" from Madurai if the ruling DMK government continued to curb their activities.
"If the DMK believes it can silence democracy and the voice of Murugan devotees through force, the Hindu Munnani will defy the ban and stand firm with the support of the people," Subramaniam declared. He further alleged that the police were filing false cases against many individuals for allegedly violating the prohibitory orders.
As tensions simmer in the temple town, the situation remains on edge, with authorities closely monitoring developments to prevent any escalation of conflict.
