: Tension prevailed in villages near here on Tuesday as huge police reinforcements were posted in anticipation of clash between Vanniyars and Dalits over kumbabishekams to be held in two temples on Wednesday.
Sri Sailagirishwarar temple in Thirumalaigiri village and Sri Varatharaja Perumal temple in Vedukathampatti village, located about 7 km from the city, were renovated recently by Vanniyar community leaders. However, the Dalits in the villages demanded that they also be allowed to participate in the kumbabishekam .
But the dominant Vanniyars resisted. With tension brewing, a peace meeting was held at the Collectorate between leaders of the two communities with revenue officials. However, it ended in a deadlock and villagers gathered in large numbers near the temple on Monday night.
After reviewing the law-and-order situation in these villages, City Police Commissioner A. Amalraj submitted a report suggesting imposition of prohibitory orders. Sub-Divisional Executive Magistrate and Revenue Divisional Officer, Salem, S.H. Sheik Mohideen invoked prohibitory orders under Section 144 (1) (2) and (3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in 21 villages in the areas on Monday night.
The order said that any minor incident during the festival would lead to major caste clash resulting in serious disturbance of public order and damage to properties. The order also prevented entry of members into the temple or gathering of more than five people in these areas till March 9.
The temples were also locked and sealed by officials on early Tuesday.
Meanwhile, more than 1200 villagers who gathered at the Siddhar Temple on Elampillai Main Road in the afternoon continue to camp there demanding the festival be conducted as planned. No untoward incidents have been reported so far.
Mr. Amalraj, who is supervising the security arrangements, told The Hindu that around 800 police personnel, including local police, five companies of Tamil Nadu Special Police Battalion, personnel drawn from neighbour districts, were deployed near the temples and in villages.
800 personnel, including local police, five companies of Tamil Nadu Special Police Battalion, forces from neighbouring districts, deployed
