K. Annamalai Appeals to TN DGP Regarding Security Issues During Minister's Temple Visit
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Synopsis
K. Annamalai, BJP president of Tamil Nadu, reaches out to the DGP about security lapses faced by Union Minister L. Murugan during his temple visit, raising concerns over police conduct and public safety rights.
Key Takeaways
- K. Annamalai highlights security concerns for Union Minister L. Murugan.
- Allegations of police mishandling and heckling at the temple.
- Incident raises questions about citizens' safety rights.
- Controversy around animal sacrifices at Thiruparankundram Hill.
- Political and religious tensions escalating in the region.
Chennai, Feb 19 (NationPress) The president of Tamil Nadu's BJP, K. Annamalai, has addressed a letter to the state's Director General of Police (DGP), requesting clarification about the alleged security mismanagement concerning Union Minister of State L. Murugan during his recent pilgrimage to the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple in Madurai.
In his correspondence, Annamalai voiced his strong dissatisfaction over what he termed as “unacceptable heckling” directed at the Minister by police officials at the temple entrance, despite having received prior clearance from Tamil Nadu Police for his visit on February 17.
“The planned itinerary included visits to both the Arulmigu Subramaniya Swami Temple and the Arulmigu Kasi Viswanathar Temple on Thiruparankundram hill,” stated Annamalai, a former IPS officer.
He accused the police of blocking the Minister's access to the temple, with officers claiming it was due to “orders from the high command”.
Describing the incident as a “flagrant abuse of authority”, Annamalai argued that preventing a Union Minister and Member of Parliament from worshipping at his chosen location constitutes a breach of his fundamental rights.
He further expressed apprehensions regarding the wider implications of this situation, questioning the police's capacity to ensure safety and security for the general populace.
“If a Member of Parliament and a Union Minister can be treated in this manner, what does that imply for the safety and rights of ordinary citizens in Tamil Nadu?” he inquired.
The controversy surrounding Thiruparankundram Hill began when a group of Muslim individuals sought permission for animal sacrifices—specifically goats and chickens—at the Sikandar Badusha Dargah located on the hill. This demand faced strong resistance from Hindu organizations, leading to an official prohibition on animal sacrifice at the site.
Tensions heightened further when Nawaz Kani, a Member of Parliament and the Tamil Nadu vice-president of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), visited the hill. Kani, who also serves as the chairman of the state Waqf Board, reportedly consumed non-vegetarian food near the temple grounds, inciting outrage among Hindu groups.
The situation intensified after Kani shared a social media post depicting individuals enjoying biryani near the temple's foothills.
Critics, including BJP president Annamalai, accused him of endorsing actions that offend Hindu religious sentiments. However, Kani refuted the accusations, claiming the food was vegetarian.
Amid rising tensions, there have also been concerns regarding vandalism at ancient Jain caves in the vicinity, along with disputes over the administrative control of the hill.
Kani has reiterated claims that segments of the hill fall under the jurisdiction of the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board, a claim vehemently disputed by Hindu organizations, who emphasize its importance in Hindu traditions.
As the Thirupparankandram issue has gradually escalated, prohibitory orders were enforced on February 3, with a significant police presence deployed in the area.
As tensions persist, Annamalai’s correspondence to the DGP highlights the increasing political and religious discord surrounding the site, with security concerns now taking precedence.
