Police picketing continued around the hillock to prevent unauthorised entry of people
Amid protests by BJP and Hindu Munnani cadres, the flag mast of Sikkander Dargah was carried atop Thirupparankundram hillock for hoisting on Sunday late evening to mark the commencement of Santhanakoodu festival., slated for January 6.
Madurai City Police allowed some 20 functionaries of the dargah committee only to climb up the hillock to carry the flag mast at around 8.30 p.m.
Meanwhile, the police picked up 17 cadres of BJP and HM who quarrelled with the police for denying them permission to climb the hillock for lighting the deepam.
Since they were not released even after 6 p.m. some cadres of the Hindu organisations staged protest. They were also picked up by the police.
The police released them after the flag mast was taken up.
Police picketing continued around the hillock to prevent unauthorised entry of people.