Security tightened at Tiruparankundram ahead of protest called by Hindu Munnani

CHENNAI: Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS, Section 144 of Cr.PC, has been imposed in Madurai ahead of the protest called by the Hindu outfits and its supporting organisations at Tiruparankundram on Tuesday.

Earlier, the Hindu Munnani called for a demonstration in front of Tiruparankundram temple on Tuesday, inviting cadres from across the southern region to take part.

They wanted to register their protest against slaughtering of animals at Sikandar Badusha Dargah atop the hill and the consumption of non-vegetarian food.

Last month, some members from Tiruparankundram Jamath attempted to approach the hill to slaughter goats at the Dargah to offer Qurbani and the subsequent situation triggered protest among the Hindu outfit, who wanted to restrict the Muslims from slaughtering any animal to protect sanctity.

Hence, the Madurai district administration has issued prohibitory orders to maintain law and order for two days with effect from 6 am on Monday (February 3) to 12 am, on February 5, Collector M.S. Sangeetha said in a statement. Moreover, several people from the Hindu and Muslim outfits were posting unnecessary comments on social media.

The prohibitory order comes into force following a report from the Commissioner of Police, Madurai City. Therefore, unlawful assembly, protest demonstration and dharna will not be permitted to protect public safety and outsiders restricted from staying in any place in the district until the prohibitory order is revoked, the statement said.

Commissioner J Loganathan, when contacted, said the Hindu Munnani sought permission to stage a protest at Tiruparankundram but was denied and security has been strengthened with the deployment of 2,300 police personnel in the vicinity of the temple.

In a statement, the police appealed to the public not to partake in the demonstration and if anybody was found in defiance of the prohibitory order, action would be taken against them.