Date:06/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/06/stories/2008090661980600.htm

Tamil Nadu - Madurai

Vinayaka idols taken out in procession

Staff Reporter

— Photo: K. Ganesan

DEVOUT: Idols being taken out in a procession in Madurai on Friday.

MADURAI: Eighty nine 89 Vinayaka idols were taken out in a procession and immersed in the Vaigai here on Friday by the Hindu Munnani.

The procession was flagged off from the Vinayagar Temple on East Masi Street by Bharatiya Janata Party State president L. Ganesan.

Heavy security cover was provided for the procession. Police personnel in riot gear led the rally.

Riot control vehicle ‘Vajra’ was deployed at the front and rear of the procession.

Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad sleuths were also deployed with hand-held bomb detectors. Commissioner of Police K. Nandabalan led the security operations and supervised the flow of procession at West Masi Street, where it went past a mosque.

According to police officials, more than 500 personnel from city police, Armed Reserve, Home Guards, Friends of Police and recruits were pressed into service.

Addressing a public meeting at the culmination of the procession, Mr. Ganesan referred to the incidents in Dindigul district and decried the restrictions imposed on use of certain streets for Vinayaka idol procession.

During the procession, he said, no slogans were raised in support or against any political party or community.

Then, what was the need for restrictions, he questioned.