Amid communal tension, Tirupparakundram hillock brought under three-layers of police security

Prohibitory order in Tirupparankundram amid communal tension, with heavy police deployment ahead of planned demonstration.

Prohibitory order was clamped and hundreds of policemen deployed in three layers of security arrangement in Tirupparankundram, Madurai on Monday, amid undercurrents of communal tension. Hindu and Muslim groups, in recent weeks, have been levelling allegations against each other over alleged consumption of non-vegetarian food in the hillock above the Subramaniya Swamy temple in Madurai, where a dargah is also situation.

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 entry of the protesters near the 16-Pillar Mandapam of the temple, after Madurai City Police on Monday rejected permission for the proposed demonstration.

Meanwhile, Madurai District Collector, M.S. Sangeetha, promulgated prohibitory order in Tirupparankundram for two days beginning Monday till Tuesday midnight. Police deployment started on Monday evening.

“All these measures have been taken to prevent trouble mongers only. However, there would not be any restriction on devotees visiting the Kasiviswanthar temple and Sikkander dargah, both, on the top of the hillock, except for their thorough screening,” said Madurai City Police Commissioner, J. Loganathan.

The city police have beefed up security at all the 17 checkposts bordering Madurai City police limits with Madurai district police jurisdiction.

Besides, movement of suspected persons towards Tirupparankundram would be restricted within the city police with checkposts erected in every police station limits.