CPI(M) urges authorities to reopen temple

CPI(M) today asked the authorities to take steps to reopen the Lord Shiva temple at Thirumalaigiri, which was locked yesterday following a dispute over participation of the Adi Dravidar (Dalits) community people in the consecration.
People belonging to all communities should be allowed to worship in the temple, CPI(M) state general secretary G Ramakrishnan said in a statement.
Prohibitory orders were clamped in 21 villages in the district and the temple locked by revenue officials yesterday apprehending trouble after Adi Dravidar community people were allegedly barred from attending its consecration slated for today by caste Hindus.
The Shiva temple had been renovated at a cost of Rs crore by collecting donations. Ahead of the consecration, the dominant Vanniyar community representatives allegedly refused to allow Adi Dravidars from offering worship at the temple leading to a near-clash between them.

In view of the situation, Salem Revenue Divisional Officer Sheik Moideen ordered the temple to be locked and clamped prohibitory orders banning entry of anyone into the temple and gathering near it.