Athanur tense as dalits plan puja in temple

NAMAKKAL: Tension prevailed for the past two days in Atthanur near Rasipuram here over a dispute in the Lord Vinayaka temple. Police have been deployed to avert any untoward incidents.Tensions gripped the area after Dalits announced that they would enter the temple to perform poojas on Saturday, to which another group objected. Revenue officials held talks with both groups and worked out a compromise formula on Thursday.But, soon after, the Dalits again said they would go ahead with their plans of holding poojas in the temple on Saturday.As they started moving towards the temple, the police blocked their way and revenue officials including Sathya Narayanan, Thahsildar and DSP  Tamilselvan, held talks with the crowd. The Dalits wanted a new temple to be built for them on the same premises, but the request was rejected.Meanwhile, people of the other group squatted on the road seeking action to remove stones laid by the Dalits marking the area for a new construction. Officials are trying to convince both groups to arrive at a smooth conclusion on the issue.