Madurai clashes: Tight security ahead of Hindu Munnani protest over animal sacrifice at Tirupparankundram Dargah

Police tighten security in Madurai Tamil Nadu, as temple protest turn violent. (Image: India Today)

Ahead of a planned protest by Hindu Munnani over a dispute regarding animal sacrifice at a Dargah on top of the hillock, Tirupparankundram in Madurai witnessed tight security on Monday due to rising communal tensions.

The issue sparked a heated argument between Hindu and Muslim groups in recent weeks.

The police have imposed a prohibitory order in the area, which will remain in effect until Tuesday midnight, reported The Hindu. Hundreds of officers have been stationed at various points, including the 16-Pillar Mandapam of the Subramaniya Swamy temple. There is a three-layer security arrangement in the city.

Five additional officers, all holding the rank of Superintendent of Police, have been called in from outside the city.

The police have rejected the permission for the protests. Extra measures have been taken to control the movement of people towards Tirupparankundram, and there are checkposts at all major entry points within the city limits.

Madurai City Police Commissioner, J. Loganathan, assured the public that there would be no restrictions on devotees visiting the Kasiviswanthar temple and the Sikkander dargah. However, visitors will undergo thorough screening before entry.

The conflict started when both Hindu and Muslim groups raised concerns about the consumption of non-vegetarian food at the hillock, where the Subramaniya Swamy temple and the dargah are situated near each other. The issue escalated after the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments objected to the planned animal sacrifice during the Kanthoori festival at the Dargah.

Despite the district administration urging the Dargah committee to resolve the issue legally, several political leaders from both communities visited the hillock, which further worsened the situation.

The Hindu Munnani had called for a huge protest on Tuesday.

Authorities have cordoned off the area around the temple and the hillock while additional police forces are present to monitor the situation.