The Hindu : Front Page : Dalits offer prayers at Kannanallur temple

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Thursday, Dec 25, 2008
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Dalits offer prayers at Kannanallur temple

Staff Reporter

Collector and SP enter shrine along with them

— Photo: A. Shaikmohideen

Dalits worshipping at the Kannanallur Mariamman temple in Tirunelveli district on Wednesday.

TIRUNELVELI: About 25 Dalits, accompanied by District Collector G. Prakash and Superintendent of Police Asra Garg, entered the Kannanallur Mariamman temple at Panthapuli near Sankarankovil on Wednesday after breaking the rusty locks to offer prayers.

Members of caste Hindus tried to prevent them.

“While deploying adequate police personnel in the district to prevent any undesirable incident, we’ve initiated speedy steps for takeover of this temple by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department at the earliest,” Mr. Prakash later told reporters.

“We’ve unequivocally told every resident of Panthapuli that any attempt to deny social justice will be strongly dealt with and cannot be tolerated. Though puja at this temple will not be conducted in the odd hours, adequate arrangements have been made to conduct regular pujas in which all residents of Panthapuli can take part,” Mr. Prakash said.

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