Thiruparankundram row: Prohibitory orders issued in Madurai

Ahead of protest called by Hindu Munnani over dispute over plan for animal sacrifice at the dargah on top of hillock

In recent weeks, Hindu and Muslim groups have been levelling allegations against each other over alleged consumption of non-vegetarian food on the hillock above the Subramaniyaswamy temple in Madurai, where a dargah is also situated.A thick security blanket was in place in the temple town ahead of the Hindu Munnani’s call for a demonstration on Tuesday.

A prohibitory order was clamped and hundreds of policemen were deployed at Thirupparankundram in Madurai on Monday (February 3, 2025), amid undercurrents of communal tension.In recent weeks, Hindu and Muslim groups have been levelling allegations against each other over alleged consumption of non-vegetarian food on the hillock above the Subramaniyaswamy temple in Madurai, where a dargah is also situated.A thick security blanket was in place in the temple town ahead of the Hindu Munnani’s call for a demonstration on Tuesday. The city police have drawn five officers in the rank of Superintendent of Police from outside the city to prevent the entry of protesters near the 16-pillar mandapam of the temple, after Madurai City Police on Monday rejected permission for the demonstration. Meanwhile, Madurai Collector M.S. Sangeetha promulgated a prohibitory order in Thirupparankundram, which would be in effect from Monday till Tuesday midnight. Police deployment started on Monday evening.All these measures have been taken to rein in trouble-mongers. However, there would not be any restriction on devotees visiting the Kasiviswanathar temple and Sikkander dargah — both at the top of the hillock — except for thorough screening,” Madurai City Police Commissioner J. Loganathan said.