After reports of PFI cadres allegedly using cricket as a cover with SDPI at Ramanathapuram police grounds, a signboard put up by the Iykkiya Muslim Sunnathwal Jamath at the entrance of Thiruppalaikudi village has triggered fresh condemnation, as it directs outside traders and others to complete their business before 7 pm and leave the village, raising concerns over attempts to turn Muslim-dominated areas into “no-go zones”.
The controversial signboard, put up by the Iykkiya Muslim Sunnathwal Jamath, Thiruppalaikudi, in Ramanathapuram district, has sparked widespread criticism from traders and the public over restrictions on the movement and commercial activity of people from outside the village after 7 pm.
Thiruppalaikudi village is located near the Bay of Bengal in the R.S. Mangalam / Tiruvadanai region of Ramanathapuram district.
The signage in Tamil says: “For the attention of merchants/traders: outside merchants, Courier service executives and water drivers/suppliers should complete their business between morning 6 am to evening (before) 7pm and return to their respective origin or village from which they come. We appeal to them to follow this strictly. By Iykkya Muslim Sunnathwal Jamaath, Thiruppalaikudi.”
Hindu Munnani functionary Ramamurthy, when contacted, said the controversial signboard placed at the entrance of Thiruppalaikudi village, located in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu, has sparked widespread public criticism for restricting the entry of outside traders and vendors past 7:00 PM.
Now people question whether Thiruppalaikudi is Tamil Nadu or in Pakistan and whether Indian laws are applicable in this village? Or should we apply for a visa and enter the village? Are we not Indians to move freely in any place in the country, which is a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution of India?
In Thiruppalaikudi, approximately 9,000 people are residing, with more females in numbers. Their prime avocation is marine fishing, shrimp farming, salting, animal husbandry and small-scale agriculture (a dry arid area).
Speaking to Organiser, Ramamurthy pointed out that “under the prevailing Tamil Nadu government laws, including the Tamil Nadu Shops and Establishments Act, commercial operations and the movement of goods are legally permitted 24×7 across the state. Jamaat or local outfits or local bodies do not have such powers or authority to impose standalone curfews or restrict public roads against legal commerce”.
In May 2025, a notification said: “As per the notification no II(2) LWSD/441(a)/2025 dated 8th May 2025, the Tamil Nadu Government extended the permission for a further period of 3 years w.e.f. 5th June 2025 for all shops and establishments to keep their place of business open 24×7 on all days of the year, subject to a number of conditions.”
Ramamurthy questions how the police and revenue authorities allowed them to put up this notice board at the entrance to the village despite the same being viral on social media.
He also questioned whether it is part of the appeasement policies of the TVK government and a diktat to the police and revenue authorities to ignore such boards.
Hindu Munnani has warned the district administration of launching a protest if similar boards are displayed in Hindu-majority areas if the notice board is not removed immediately.
During Ganesh Chathurthi celebrations, Muslims in Keezhakkarai in Ramanathapuram district objected to the installation of the murti, saying the coastal municipal town is a Muslim-majority area (approximately 80%). Kamudi, Mudukalathur, Ramanathapuram, Kadaladi, Erwadi (the dargah is famous) and Thiruvadanai are some Muslim-majority areas in the district.
The district is known as a coastal belt for smuggling and has also been associated with reports of training camps for radicalised people. Two days ago, there were social media posts alleging training camps for Muslims. Tirupathur and Vellore, Coimbatore and Melapalayam in Tirunelveli are some other places where Muslims are more in number.
In Tamil Nadu, Melvisharam in Ranipet district has a Muslim population of approximately 76%. Here, it is alleged, outsiders are being watched round the clock and accosted about their purpose of visit, whom to meet and how they are known, etc. Even police, revenue and other authorities cannot, it is learnt, operate without the specific approval from the Jamaath or elders.
Against this backdrop, the recent reports concerning PFI cadres in Ramanathapuram, the presence and influence of local Jamaats in certain Muslim-dominated areas, and concerns over the emergence of what critics describe as “no-go zones” have raised wider questions about parallel forms of authority and restrictions on the movement and economic activity of people.
Ramanathapuram’s coastal location and its association with allegations concerning smuggling, drugs, marine activities and radicalisation have further added to these concerns.
