Hindu religious procession halted in Tamil Nadu for several hours so as not to disturb namaz at a mosque

Ban imposed on slogans, musical instruments, and bursting of firecrackers while passing near the mosque

Chennai – In Uthamapalayam, Tamil Nadu, a religious procession associated with the Masimagam festival of the Kalasthiswarar Gnanambigai Temple faced opposition from local Muslims because its route passed by a mosque. The objection led to tension in the area on the night of 25 February, and the procession had to be halted for a few hours. Due to the dispute, the administration and Police had to intervene.

1. Devotees from the Okkaliga Gounder community participating in the procession were carrying the idol to the Indiranagar area as part of the Mandagapadi programme, which had been underway since 19 February. This programme is linked to preparations for the main festival scheduled for the first week of March. While preparations for the procession were ongoing, Muslims objected, stating that taking the procession near the mosque would disturb namaz (Islamic prayers). They demanded that the timing of the procession be postponed or that an alternative route be chosen. This led to tension between Hindu devotees and Muslims. Workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Hindu Munnani gathered at the spot.

2. Local Revenue Department officer Syed Mohammed and Deputy Superintendent of Police Ponnarasu held discussions with members of the Muslim community and worked toward a mutual understanding. It was decided that the procession could pass through the route after the completion of namaz at the mosque. Accordingly, after 10:30 p.m., permission was granted for the procession to proceed along that path. However, to maintain law and order, slogans, playing of musical instruments, and bursting of firecrackers were prohibited near the mosque. Thereafter, the procession moved ahead peacefully.

Editorial Perspectives

• Is Tamil Nadu in India or in Pakistan? On one hand, Hindus are lectured about secularism, and on the other hand, the religious sentiments of Muslims are appeased — this has been happening in India for the past eight decades. Such a situation makes a Hindu Rashtra inevitable!
• What else can be expected in a state ruled by the anti-Hindu Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam? It is time to tell those who are disturbed by Hindu religious processions to move to Pakistan and be sent there.