Prohibitory orders have been imposed in Tamil Nadu’s Madurai after a protest planned by Hindu Munnani and its affiliated groups at Tiruparankundram Hill has triggered tension in the region.
The protest named 'Save Tiruparankundram' is set for Tuesday, February 4. Madurai district collector MS Sangeetha imposed section 163 of Bharatiya Nyay Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) (formerly 144 CrPC) across the district, including in Madurai city limits, from 6 am on February 3 until 12 pm on February 4. No meetings, protests or dharna can be organised these days.
The collector said that the Madurai city police has denied permission for the protest over the ongoing issue in Tiruparankundram over animal slaughter in the hill. The hill houses Kashi Vishwanath temple and the Tirupparankundram malai Sikkander Dargah, attracting several believers. For the past few days, right-wing organizations have been insisting that goats and chickens should not be slaughtered at the dargah on the hill, which became a point of contention between Hindus and Muslims. Hindu Munnani subsequently announced to conduct a protest to “save the hill”.
While the district administration has imposed a curfew, Madurai City Police Commissioner Loganathan warned that legal action will be taken against the violators.