In Tiruchendur, Tamil Nadu, clashes erupted between Murugan devotees and law enforcement officers as protests intensified against the imposition of hefty fees by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. The situation escalated when police used force to disperse the crowds, allegedly leading to several injuries among the devotees.
Kadeshwara Subramaniam, the State President of Hindu Munnani, released a scathing condemnation statement, accusing the DMK government of turning the sacred Tiruchendur Senthilandavar Temple into a hub for unfair monetary gains. He criticized the government’s move to collect ₹1,200 from devotees during the Sashti festival, sparking widespread outrage among Hindus across the state.
“In the Dravidian regime, temples have been made like exhibition and it is condemnable to shamelessly engage in daylight robbery of collecting money for anything and everything. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department treats the poor and needy as untouchables,” Subramaniam stated in his release, denouncing the department’s alleged discrimination against devotees. He further asserted that the imposed fees amounted to monetizing devotion and called for an immediate end to what he referred to as the DMK government’s “collection hunt.”
Hindu Munnani state in-charges, including V.P. Manjunath, organized a protest in Tiruchendur, demanding the cessation of the government’s alleged exploitation. The demonstration saw the participation of Hindu devotees, such as Jayakumar, Kuttralanathan, and Sakthivel, who engaged in protests.
The police response to the peaceful protest, were allegedly marked by the use of force and threats against devotees, and have drawn strong criticism from Hindu Munnani State President. Subramaniam condemned the authorities’ actions, deeming them undemocratic and indicative of an anti-people fascist regime in Tamil Nadu.
“Hundreds gathered and held a crusade. The police resorted to severe violence and threatened and beat up the devotees who fought for the cause. Some of them are seriously injured and receiving medical treatment. This is anti-democratic. A democracy should be a government that respects the opinion of the people. But the attack on the public without accepting the demand of the people and canceling the tariff darshan makes it clear that anti-people fascist rule is taking place in Tamil Nadu.“, he said
He pointed out that the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court had previously directed that darshan fees at Tiruchendur Temple should not exceed ₹100, a directive allegedly ignored by the authorities. Subramaniam emphasized that charging fees in violation of this court order amounted to contempt of court.
The Hindu Munnani leader also raised concerns about a viral video allegedly showing authorities collecting money directly, suggesting potential malpractices within the system.
Subramaniam concluded his statement with a warning to the DMK government, urging the Chief Minister to intervene. He demanded the withdrawal of the hiked fees and insisted that no fee should be charged for Lord Muruga’s darshan. The Hindu Munnani threatened to organize a series of ethical protests if their demands were not met, emphasizing their commitment to safeguarding the rights of devotees.
“We warn you not to forget that Lord Muruga will teach an appropriate lesson to the atheist DMK government, which is acting anti-Hindu in its arrogance of power. The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu should instruct the police officers, Hindu Religious & Charitable Department officials to treat the devotees who come during the festivals in a civilized manner. And the Hindu Religious Endowment Department should immediately withdraw the inflated fees. The Hindu Munnani insists that no fee should be charged for Swami darshan in any way. If these demands are not fulfilled, we warn that the Hindu Munnani will organize Murugan devotees and conduct continuous protests.“, he said
திருச்செந்தூரில் வசூல் வேட்டை -தட்டிக் கேட்கும் பக்தர்கள் மீது பலப்பிரயோகம், கைது நடவடிக்கை – மாநிலத் தலைவர் காடேஸ்வரா சுப்பிரமணியம் அவர்கள் கண்டன அறிக்கை#திருச்செந்தூர்#முருகன்#கோவில்#அறநிலையத்துறை#இந்துமுன்னணி#HinduMunnanihttps://t.co/HpXLS6GNCt
— Hindu Munnani (@hindumunnani_tn) November 17, 2023
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