Disputes between two factions of a community during the Chithirai festival near Udumalai led to protests and road blockages involving children.
Coimbatore: Tensions flared near the Veera Jakkammaal Devi Temple in Chinna Karadu, near Udumalai, as two groups within a community clashed over worship practices during the annual Chithirai festival scheduled for April 9 and 10. The discord among the villagers, who gathered to celebrate the festival, escalated into a significant issue, causing disruptions in the festival proceedings.
Following unsuccessful talks to resolve the issues at the Udumalai Taluk office led by Tehsildar P. Sundaram, one group, including children, staged a sit-in on the Udumalai-Thirumoorthy Hills Road near the local library this morning. The situation was addressed when Tehsildar Sundaram and Deputy Superintendent of Police J. Sukumaran engaged with the protesting residents. An agreement was reached for all community members to visit the temple and perform darshan (worship viewing). A further discussion is scheduled under the supervision of Udumalai RDO Jaswanth Kannan to fully resolve the issue. By evening, the protesters dispersed, and normalcy began returning to the area, with police maintaining security.
Following unsuccessful talks to resolve the issues at the Udumalai Taluk office led by Tehsildar P. Sundaram, one group, including children, staged a sit-in on the Udumalai-Thirumoorthy Hills Road near the local library this morning. The situation was addressed when Tehsildar Sundaram and Deputy Superintendent of Police J. Sukumaran engaged with the protesting residents. An agreement was reached for all community members to visit the temple and perform darshan (worship viewing). A further discussion is scheduled under the supervision of Udumalai RDO Jaswanth Kannan to fully resolve the issue. By evening, the protesters dispersed, and normalcy began returning to the area, with police maintaining security.