800-year-old stone inscription discovered near Salem sparks tension

An 800-year-old stone inscription has been unearthed in an agricultural field near the Amasar Amman Temple in Kariya Perumal Kardu, Nethimedu, Salem.
Following a tip-off from local residents, officials from the Hindu Religious Charities and Endowment Department, along with the Archaeological Department, conducted a preliminary study. They identified the inscription as recorded in the Namakkal Stone Inscription Book, dating back to the period 1190–1198.
In addition to the inscription, idols of Thiripura Nayanar, Udanurai Amman, Magishasuramarthini, and Sandikeswari were found, providing evidence of an ancient temple's existence. Officials noted that land historically belonging to the temple had been encroached upon.
The discovery has led to tension in the area, prompting the deployment of police pickets to maintain order as investigations continue.