Temple-dargah issue: Tight security, section 144 in place ahead of Hindu Munnani protest in Tamil Nadu's Thiruparankundram

MADURAI: With Hindu Munnani and other Hindu organizations announcing a protest in front of Thiruparankundram Temple on Tuesday over the temple-dargah issue, security has been tightened in the area.

Nearly 4,000 police personnel have been deployed, and officials are conducting thorough checks at various entry points.

The Thaipoosam festival, scheduled for February 11, is expected to draw large crowds, but the imposition of Section 144 (now Section 163 under BNSS) by the district administration has led to a significant drop in foot traffic at the temple.

Most shops remain closed, and police have restricted access to the Kasi Vishwanathan Temple at the top of the hill, allowing entry only to the Murugan Temple, while access to the dargah is also prohibited.

As a preventive measure, police have detained several Hindu outfit leaders from neighboring districts, including Theni, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Sivagangai, to prevent any untoward incidents.