Tension escalated at Lingamalai in Pudukkottai district after local Hindus staged a road blockade, accusing a group of Christians of assaulting devotees who questioned their activities on the hill. The protesters also accused the police of failing to take action against those allegedly involved in the attack, despite identifying the JCB used to clear the disputed site.
According to the protesting devotees, the Revenue Department had earlier intervened in the dispute over a cross installed on Lingamalai and prohibited the Christian group from entering the disputed area to conduct prayers. However, they alleged that whenever Hindus gather for Pournami Girivalam and perform pujas, banners announcing Christian prayer meetings are put up at the site.
The latest confrontation reportedly began when local Hindus went to the hill to question the group about the prayer meeting. The protesters alleged that a JCB was brought to the spot and used to clear the area, and that around 30 people assaulted those who questioned the activity.
They further stated that the JCB owner himself had acknowledged that the vehicle belonged to him. Despite this, they alleged, the police had taken no action against those involved in the assault and were instead demanding further proof from the complainants.
In a video from the protest, a Hindu devotee accused the police of merely asking the alleged attackers to move away rather than taking action against them. He stated that around 50 to 60 people remained at the location even after the confrontation, while the devotees who had been attacked were left waiting for police action.
The protesters said that no Hindu had attacked any Christian at the site and demanded action against those who allegedly assaulted them. They also demanded that the authorities act on the alleged encroachment of Lingamalai and the installation of the cross.
Declaring that they would not withdraw until an FIR was registered and action was initiated, the protesters announced a road blockade and said they would continue their agitation until the police acted on their complaints.
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Dispute Over Lingamalai
The latest confrontation comes amid an ongoing dispute over Lingamalai, located in Malampatti village under Perambur Panchayat in Viralimalai block of Pudukkottai district.
As reported earlier, the hill is associated with an ancient Shiva temple, which local Hindus say dates back nearly 1,000 years. The site is also said to contain old inscriptions, sculptures, a Nandi statue and the remains of a mandapam.
Local Hindus have alleged that a cross was installed on the hill around 20 years ago and that some groups have since referred to it as ‘Kalvari Malai’ or ‘Saveriyar Malai’. They have accused these groups of attempting to alter the religious identity of the hill.
The Revenue Department had reportedly intervened earlier, with Hindu complainants stating that officials had directed that the cross be removed and that both sides should refrain from entering the disputed area or undertaking any activity there.
Hindu residents have also alleged that prayer meetings are now being used to resume activities at the site and interfere with their traditional Pournami worship and Girivalam.
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