Hindu Munnani has reaffirmed its decision to go ahead with its scheduled protest on February 4 to “Save Thiruparankundram” from what it describes as threats from Muslims and fundamentalist forces. The organisation stated that the imposition of Section 144 and police actions, including restrictions on vehicle operations and house arrests of its leaders, would not deter its movement.
Emphasising its firm stance, Hindu Munnani asserted that no changes would be made to its planned demonstration, despite efforts by authorities to suppress the protest.
திருப்பரங்குன்றம்…
திட்டமிட்டபடி அறப்போராட்டம்மாநிலத் தலைவர் காடேஸ்வரா சுப்பிரமணியம் அவர்கள் உறுதி…
பக்தர்களே வாரீர்…
குமரனின் குன்றம் காப்போம்…#Protectthiruparankundram #காப்போம்திருப்பரங்குன்றம் #SaveThiruparankundram #Feb04 #HinduMunnani pic.twitter.com/Ddp5eW7pku— Hindu Munnani (@hindumunnani_tn) February 2, 2025
The situation in Madurai’s Thiruparankundram has escalated after the SDPI, the political arm of the banned PFI, along with certain fringe fundamentalist groups, announced plans to slaughter animals and prepare biryani at the hilltop, claiming it as the site of the dargah of Sikkandar. However, the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department maintains that the dargah is actually located in Goripalayam.
Tensions have intensified in Thiruparankundram after Hindus were denied permission to light the Karthigai Deepam atop the hill, a tradition observed for ages. The hill is home to over a dozen Hindu temples, yet controversies have arisen over its ownership and religious practices.
The situation worsened when IUML MP from Ramanathapuram, Navas Kani, along with the Waqf Board chairman and another MLA, claimed the hill as Waqf property and consumed biryani at the site. Last month, some Muslim groups attempted to march with goats and chickens to the Sikandar Badusha Dargah for slaughter, but the police denied permission. Additionally, miscreants painted parts of ancient Jain caves green, further fueling tensions.
In response, Hindu Munnani sought court permission to offer pork biryani, asserting it as a customary offering to the deity on the hill. Earlier, the court had ruled that the hill belonged to Hindus, adding another dimension to the ongoing dispute. Protests from both sides continue to escalate, making Thiruparankundram a flashpoint of religious and political contention.
The Thiruparankundram dispute has further intensified as BJP MLA Nainar Nagendran, BJP leader H. Raja, and Hindu Munnani state president Kadeswara Subramaniam, along with other leaders, visited the hill to offer prayers. However, Madurai Adheenam was prohibited from visiting the site and placed under house arrest. Additionally, BJP Minority Wing functionary Vellore Ibrahim and his family were detained when he attempted to seek blessings on his birthday.
In response to the ongoing developments, Hindu Munnani has called for a large-scale protest on the evening of February 4 to express solidarity and oppose any attempts to take control of the hill from Hindus. Meanwhile, the Madurai district administration has imposed Section 163 of the BNSS (formerly Section 144 of the CrPC) across the district for two days, on February 3 and 4. Madurai City Police Commissioner Loganathan has warned of strict legal action against individuals and vehicles found violating the order.
Critics and Hindu Munnani leaders have accused the police of attempting to suppress their planned protest by threatening vehicle owners against transporting cadres from Hindu Munnani and other Sangh Parivar outfits, warning them of vehicle confiscation. Additionally, several key BJP and Hindu Munnani functionaries have been placed under house arrest ahead of the demonstration.
வீட்டுச் சிறையில் இ.மு., நிர்வாகி#HouseArrest| #Tirunelveli| #Kutralanathanhttps://t.co/y4W3uzOWeZ pic.twitter.com/cafcAvOpk0
— Dinamalar (@dinamalarweb) February 3, 2025
Lists of BJP and Sangh Parivar were made, and they were warned not to take part in the protest. That is why we asked people to use state transport buses and trains to reach Madurai, as police prevent private vans, buses, and cars from entering the city. Now they clamped 144.”
Hindu Munnani has asserted that police intimidation will not deter their planned protest, questioning the Tamil Nadu government’s selective approach to granting permissions. The organisation criticised the authorities for allowing thousands to participate in the funeral of Coimbatore serial bomb blast convict Basha while denying permission for their peaceful demonstration.
“We are devotees who go to pray to our Bhagwan. No one can stop us—it is our constitutional fundamental right,” Hindu Munnani stated.
The organisation accused the Stalin government of using the police to instigate communal tensions in Madurai by imposing Section 144. “Hindus are being denied their democratic right to protest against such draconian measures. If the government believes it can suppress Hindus’ rights through such actions, it will be held responsible for the consequences,” the statement read.
Hindu Munnani further alleged that permission for their protest was denied only on February 2, despite prior preparations. The authorities had earlier arrested individuals for putting up posters and using drummers to inform the public about the protest. “False cases were filed against them. The High Court has already ruled that such decisions must be made within 48 hours. Yet, the ruling party and its allies receive last-minute approvals, while Hindu organisations are forced to approach the courts every time,” the statement added.
The group also questioned whether IUML MP Navas Kani was permitted to eat biryani on the hill to establish claims over the site. Calling for the government to allow their protest in a peaceful and democratic manner, Hindu Munnani warned, “If the government believes it can stifle Hindu voices through intimidation and suppress religious sentiments, there will be no freedom for Hindus on Madurai soil. We will proceed with our protest as planned.”
Tensions are rising in Madurai as cadres, dressed in saffron attire and chanting slogans in praise of Bhagwan Murugan, have begun arriving in the city. Thiruparankundram, revered as the first of Bhagwan Murugan’s six abodes, has become the focal point of the escalating dispute. With the protest set for tomorrow evening, the city is bracing for a volatile situation.
