Madurai witnessed a peaceful celebration of the Santhanakoodu festival at the historic Sikkandar Badhusa Dargah on Tuesday, despite simmering communal tensions in the region. The event, held atop the Thiruparankundram hill, proceeded without incident under a massive security blanket deployed by the police.
Heavy Police Deployment Ensures Calm
To maintain law and order, authorities deployed a substantial force of around 600 police personnel across the Thiruparankundram area. A senior police official confirmed that security was intensified, with 50 picketing points established to monitor the situation and prevent any untoward incidents.
The official stated that the atmosphere remained peaceful as there was no defiance from Hindu outfits regarding the Santhanakoodu procession. However, the decision to ramp up security was a precautionary measure, considering the recent law and order issues linked to the Karthigai Deepam lighting controversy.
Background of Recent Tensions
The heightened security followed a period of significant unrest in the same area. It may be recalled that on December 4, heavy tension gripped Thiruparankundram during protests over the Karthigai Deepam issue.
During those protests, police had detained more than 50 protesters. Prominent figures among those detained included BJP state president Nainar Nagendran, H Raja, Amar Prasad Reddy, and several other Hindu outfit leaders.
A Successful Security Operation
The peaceful conduct of the Santhanakoodu festival marks a positive development in the tense environment. The proactive security measures, combining the existing police strength with additional personnel and strategic picketing points, proved effective in ensuring the festival could be observed without disruption.
This outcome demonstrates the administration's focus on preemptive action to safeguard communal harmony while allowing religious observances to proceed. The situation in Madurai's Thiruparankundram area is now being closely monitored as authorities work to maintain this fragile peace.
