Leaders from DMK, AIADMK, CPI(M), and Congress have jointly submitted a petition to the Madurai District Collector, urging the continuation of Muslim worship and animal sacrifice practices at the Sultan Sikandar Badusha Dargah atop Thirupparankundram Hill. However, the letter makes no mention of protecting Hindu worship rights at the centuries-old sacred site, framing “social harmony” solely around meeting Muslim demands while sidelining concerns over access restrictions imposed on Hindu devotees.

The issue centers around the Hazrat Sultan Sikandar Badusha Auliya Dargah, located atop Thirupparankundram Hill, a revered Muslim place of worship. According to the letter, Muslims and members of other communities have traditionally offered sacrifices of goats and chickens, as part of a religious practice called Kanthuri, and prayed for the mentally ill on Thursdays.

“The controversy arose when, on 27 November 2024 and 25 December 2024, local police reportedly stopped Muslim devotees from conducting these rituals. The police, citing orders from higher authorities, claimed the practices were not permitted. However, when pressed for a copy of the order, the authorities allegedly stated it was a verbal directive.“, the petition read.

It further went on to add “Fearing the loss of their “right to worship“, some Islamic organizations staged protests. The situation escalated further as BJP leaders reportedly brought large groups to the hill, raised slogans, and created an atmosphere of intimidation.“

The letter also raises concerns about police actions blocking access to the steps leading to the Kasi Vishwanath Temple located on the hill. The restriction has reportedly added to the tensions, with fears of further unrest in the city.

In their plea to the District Collector, the leaders urged the administration to:

1. Allow the continuation of Muslim worship practices at the dargah.
2. Open the path to the Kasi Vishwanath Temple for devotees.
3. Take action against those allegedly inciting division and hatred along religious lines.

The joint appeal emphasized the need to maintain peace and harmony among the diverse communities living in Thirupparankundram and urged swift resolution to prevent further conflict.

Background

The sacred Hindu site of Thirupparankundram Hills is facing growing tension, with controversial actions by a Muslim politician fueling divisive rhetoric. Indian Union Muslim League member and Ramanathapuram MP Navas Kani, who also serves as the chairman of the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board, has claimed that the dargah at the hilltop is Waqf property. This statement has sent shockwaves through the region and intensified existing tensions.

This development is part of a series of incidents that have strained relations between Hindus and Muslims, who had previously lived in harmony. Some Islamists groups have been attempting to assert their rights to conduct animal sacrifices at the hilltop, furthering their claims that the entire Thirupparankundram Hills should be recognized as Sikkandar Hills.

The situation escalated on 27 December 2024, when Madurai police intervened to detain a group of Muslims family attempting to bring goats and roosters to the hilltop dargah for ritual sacrifice. Syed Abu Dahir, a 53-year-old from Malaiyadipatti in Rajapalayam, arrived with his family and animals for the ceremony but was stopped by authorities at the base of the hill. Police informed them that bringing livestock up the hill was prohibited, which led to a protest by over 20 local Muslims at the foot of the hill in solidarity with the family.

The following week, on 5 January 2025, another large group of Muslim protesters gathered at Thirupparankundram Hills, demanding permission to offer prayers at the mosque located at the top. When the police denied their request, tensions escalated, leading to a brief scuffle and the detention of the protesters.

On 17 January 2025, during the Santhanakoodu Festival at a nearby dargah, social media posts began circulating about an upcoming “Equality Feast” (Samabanthi Bhojan) on 18 January at the hilltop dargah, where goats and roosters were allegedly to be sacrificed. Fearing communal unrest, police set up barricades and conducted searches to prevent the transportation of livestock to the hill. When the dargah Jamath was informed that animal sacrifices were not allowed, protests broke out. Members of the Jamath, along with other Muslim protesters, clashed with the police, causing further disruptions.

The situation was exacerbated by the involvement of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), an ally of AIADMK and a group linked to the banned terror outfit PFI. These elements are believed to be behind the attempts to conduct animal sacrifices at the sacred Thirupparankundram Hill.

Furthering tensions, on 21 January 2025, DMK Manapparai MLA Abdul Samad was accused of conducting an illegal survey around the temple with intentions to gain control of the hill. On the same day, IUML member and Ramanathapuram MP Navas Kani was seen giving an interview near the Thirupparankundram Hills. When asked whether the dargah at the hilltop was under the Waqf Board, Kani confirmed, “Yes, it is under the control of the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board,” further heightening tensions in the area.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.