'Allahu Akbar' Sign Covered At Pamban Mosque Sparks Political Storm Amid PM Modi's Visit, Police Clarify

The temporary covering of an LED display with the Islamic phrase on the mosque’s minaret triggered controversy with critics connecting it to the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit. However, authorities removed the tarpaulin within hours after protests from locals and community leaders.

Leaders from the Indian National League Party (INL) and Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) condemned the act and questioned why the mosque’s tower and minaret were covered. However, the secretary of the Juma Masjid, A Syed Mohammed, clarified that the tarpaulin was placed to protect the LED board from damage due to ongoing construction work at the site, as per a report on The New Indian Express.

Police Clarify

According to an order issued by Mandapam Police Inspector, the LED board was installed at a height of approximately 50 meters on the minaret for Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations on March 31. However, the order noted that prior approval from the District Superintendent of Police and District Collector was not obtained before installing the board at such a height. 

The location of the mosque minaret is very close to Pamban West, North, South, and Coast. When viewed from a distance of around half a kilometer, the LED display resembles a lighthouse, raising concerns over maritime navigation and potential hazards for fishing boats and shipping vessels, as per local reports. Authorities advised that such lighted signboards should be placed in areas that do not interfere with navigation and formal permission must be obtained.

With mounting scrutiny, the tarpaulin was removed from the minaret, and the matter has now been resolved. 

PM Modi Visit 

The PM is expected to visit Pamban on April 6, coinciding with Ram Navami. As part of the visit, PM is likely to offer prayers at the Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple and inaugurate the newly constructed Pamban Bridge.

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