MADURAI: Tensions have been prevailing between local Hindu and Islamic outfits over the issue of stopping animal sacrifices on Thiruparankundram Hill in Madurai, where both a dargah and a temple are located.
On January 18, police stopped members of Islamic outfits who attempted to conduct animal sacrifices by bringing goats and chickens as part of preparations for a communal feast for social harmony at the Sikandar Badushah Dargah on Thiruparankundram Hill.
While Hindu outfits condemned the act of animal sacrifice on the sacred hill belonging to the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple, police emphasised that only prayers are permitted at the dargah.
On Wednesday (January 22), Ramanathapuram IUML MP K. Navas Kani visited Thiruparankundram and discussed the issue with district officials, including the Madurai City Police Commissioner and the Collector.
“As an example of religious harmony, the Sikandar Dargah and Kasi Viswanathar Temple are located on Thiruparankundram Hill. Hindus and Muslims have been performing rituals and offering prayers for decades without any trouble. However, some are trying to create a divide now,” he said.
The MP noted that while the district administration and police have prohibited animal sacrifices, they are allowing cooked non-vegetarian food to be carried onto the hill. He also mentioned that there are separate pathways for the dargah and the temple.
Meanwhile, BJP state president K. Annamalai condemned the MP, stating that he was unnecessarily provoking Hindus and threatening religious harmony by permitting a group of Muslims to carry and consume non-vegetarian food on Thiruparankundram Hill, which he argued disrupts the sanctity of the hill associated with the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple.
“Such provocative acts must stop, and respect should be given to the devotees who visit the temple, which has a rich history,” he said.