Kerala temple stand-off: Sri Lankan women enters Sabarimala

Kerala locals forced the state to a standstill on Thursday as they protested against the government for allowing<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/have-fulfilled-our-responsibility-by-giving-protection-to-women-others-are-trying-to-make-sabarimala-a-clash-zone-kerala-cm-187996"> two women to defy</a> an ancient ban and enter <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-observes-hartal-over-entry-of-2-women-to-sabarimala-temple-187962">Sabarimala temple.</a>

About 400 protesters, including some women, took to the streets of Kochi, the commercial capital of Kerala, in the early morning.

So far, 266 people have been arrested and 334 people have been taken into preventive detention for the various hartal-related violence.

Country-made bombs hurled at security officials by protestors in Thiruvananthapuram. Some personnel sustained minor injuries in the incident.

Many stores and other small businesses were shut after the people groups called for a state-wide stoppage. Most bus services were halted and taxis were refusing to take passengers as some drivers said they feared they would be attacked.

The state's Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, told reporters that women were the target of some attacks by protesters, including women journalists covering the events.

Supreme Court in September ordered the lifting of the ban on women of menstruating age entering the Sabarimala hill temple, which draws millions of worshippers a year.

The temple has refused to abide by the ruling and subsequent attempts by women to visit have been blocked by thousands of devotees.

In the early hours of Wednesday, two women were escorted by police into the temple through a side gate without being spotted by devotees guarding the temple.

The women offered prayers from the back of the crowd from the top of a staircase where they could see the deity below without drawing the attention of the priest or other devotees, a police official familiar with the operation said.

He did not wish to be identified due to the sensitivity of the issue. 
"Surprise was the biggest element here," the official said.

BUSES DAMAGED

Protests erupted soon afterwards. A woman police constable was attacked and molested by five protesters in one of the districts near Kochi on Wednesday, while a protester was pelted with stones and killed in a southern district of the state, police said.

On Thursday, protesters were seen marching towards the main city junction to stage a sit-in protest, shouting slogans and waving flags, with streets deserted.

The protests remained largely peaceful on Thursday, Vijay Sakhare, Inspector General of Police Kochi Range, told Reuters.

"We arrested more than 600 people on Wednesday from Kochi and four other adjoining districts and took nearly 300 into preventive custody," Sakhare said, adding that police were ready to offer protection to those who wanted to conduct routine business on Thursday.

"Some protesters may turn violent such as stone-throwing or blocking roads and we are armed with riot gear and have tear gas and water cannons," he said.

In several places, protesters damaged state transport buses, V.P. Pramod Kumar, deputy director, public relations, state police headquarters, told Reuters.

The Kerala state government is run by left-wing parties and has sought to allow women into the temple - a position that has drawn criticism from both of India's main political parties, the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress.

DEFIANCE BY STEALTH

The two women, Bindu Ammini, 42, and Kanaka Durga, 44, had approached the state police to find a way to enter the temple after a failed attempt on Dec. 24.

As a result, officials from the state government and the police conducted a few rounds of reconnaissance to identify the side entrance, and to decide on the appropriate timing and transport, the police official said.

For more than a week before Wednesday`s visit, the women were under police protection at an undisclosed location, unknown even to their families, to prevent the plan from leaking out, he said.

In the early hours of Wednesday, the police took the two women to the hill temple inside an ambulance to avoid attention. Medical services are frequently used outside the temple because the elderly who go on the trek often face discomfort, the official said.

After offering prayers, the women merged with the crowd and headed to the exit, accompanied by four police in plain clothes, the police official said.

"Every minute, about 100 devotees throng to the sanctum sanctorum and there was no way the priest would have noticed these two," he said.

Kerala locals forced the state to a standstill on Thursday as they protested against the government for allowing two women to defy an ancient ban and enter Sabarimala temple.

Kerala locals forced the state to a standstill on Thursday as they protested against the government for allowing two women to defy an ancient ban and enter Sabarimala temple. About 400 protesters, including some women, took to the streets of Kochi, the commercial capital of Kerala, in the early morning. So far, 266 people have been arrested and 334 people have been taken into preventive detention for the various hartal-related violence. Country-made bombs hurled at security officials by protestors in Thiruvananthapuram. Some personnel sustained minor injuries in the incident. Many stores and other small businesses were shut after the people groups called for a state-wide stoppage. Most bus services were halted and taxis were refusing to take passengers as some drivers said they feared they would be attacked. The state's Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, told reporters that women were the target of some attacks by protesters, including women journalists covering the events. Supreme Court in September ordered the lifting of the ban on women of menstruating age entering the Sabarimala hill temple, which draws millions of worshippers a year. The temple has refused to abide by the ruling and subsequent attempts by women to visit have been blocked by thousands of devotees. In the early hours of Wednesday, two women were escorted by police into the temple through a side gate without being spotted by devotees guarding the temple. The women offered prayers from the back of the crowd from the top of a staircase where they could see the deity below without drawing the attention of the priest or other devotees, a police official familiar with the operation said. He did not wish to be identified due to the sensitivity of the issue. "Surprise was the biggest element here," the official said. BUSES DAMAGED Protests erupted soon afterwards. A woman police constable was attacked and molested by five protesters in one of the districts near Kochi on Wednesday, while a protester was pelted with stones and killed in a southern district of the state, police said. On Thursday, protesters were seen marching towards the main city junction to stage a sit-in protest, shouting slogans and waving flags, with streets deserted. The protests remained largely peaceful on Thursday, Vijay Sakhare, Inspector General of Police Kochi Range, told Reuters. "We arrested more than 600 people on Wednesday from Kochi and four other adjoining districts and took nearly 300 into preventive custody," Sakhare said, adding that police were ready to offer protection to those who wanted to conduct routine business on Thursday. "Some protesters may turn violent such as stone-throwing or blocking roads and we are armed with riot gear and have tear gas and water cannons," he said. In several places, protesters damaged state transport buses, V.P. Pramod Kumar, deputy director, public relations, state police headquarters, told Reuters. The Kerala state government is run by left-wing parties and has sought to allow women into the temple - a position that has drawn criticism from both of India's main political parties, the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress. DEFIANCE BY STEALTH The two women, Bindu Ammini, 42, and Kanaka Durga, 44, had approached the state police to find a way to enter the temple after a failed attempt on Dec. 24. As a result, officials from the state government and the police conducted a few rounds of reconnaissance to identify the side entrance, and to decide on the appropriate timing and transport, the police official said. For more than a week before Wednesday`s visit, the women were under police protection at an undisclosed location, unknown even to their families, to prevent the plan from leaking out, he said. In the early hours of Wednesday, the police took the two women to the hill temple inside an ambulance to avoid attention. Medical services are frequently used outside the temple because the elderly who go on the trek often face discomfort, the official said. After offering prayers, the women merged with the crowd and headed to the exit, accompanied by four police in plain clothes, the police official said. "Every minute, about 100 devotees throng to the sanctum sanctorum and there was no way the priest would have noticed these two," he said.

Protests and shutdown paralyse Kerala after two women enter Sabarimala temple

In pics: Indian women fight gender inequality, form 'wall' of solidarity

In a first, lakhs of women stood should-to-shoulder across the national highways in Kerala, creating a 620 km-long human 'wall' from the northern end of Kasaragod to the southern tip here on Tuesday as part of a state-sponsored initiative to uphold gender equality.

The event comes days after thousands of devotees lit 'Ayyappa Jyothies' (lighting of sacred lamps) and lined up from Hosangadi in Kasargod to Kanyakumari, vowing to protect the age-old customs and traditions of Sabarimala.

On Tuesday, women from various walks of life -- writers, athletes, actors, politicians and techies, government officials and homemakers -- stood across the highways crisscrossing through the 14 districts in the state as the event commenced at 4 pm.

Expressing solidarity, thousands of men also lined up parallel forming a second human 'wall'.

The 'Women's wall' was conceived in the backdrop of frenzied protests witnessed in the hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala after the CPI(M)-led LDF government decided to implement the Supreme Court verdict, allowing all women to pray at the Ayyappa shrine.

The event is part of an initiative to protect secular values, gender equality and to spread a message against those trying to push society into the dark ages, organisers of the programme said.

Before the formal start of the event, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan garlanded the statue of social reformer 'Ayyankali'.

CPI(M) politburo member Brinda Karat and CPI leader Annie Raja also paid floral tributes at the statue.

Vijayan had earlier expressed confidence that women, cutting across lines of caste and religion, would join the 'wall' to save Kerala from being "dragged back into the era of darkness."

CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan had earlier said that 50 lakh women were expected to take part in the event.

Health minister K K Shylaja led the 'Women's Wall' at Kasaragod and Karat was the last person at the end at Vellayambalam here.

School students were given half-day holiday, while universities postponed exams scheduled for Tuesday.

The government employees and Technopark employees were allegedly asked to take part in the event, which the main opposition Congress-led UDF dubbed "caste wall" and "wall of contradictions".

The participants began lining up at the designated centres since 3 pm. A rehearsal was also held.

The 'wall' was formed at 4 pm, with participants taking a pledge to uphold gender equality and renaissance values.

The campaign was suggested at a meeting called by the LDF government following massive protests by right-wing parties and a section of devotees over the government's decision to implement the September 28 apex court order, allowing women of all ages to offer prayers at Sabarimala.

In a first, lakhs of women stood should-to-shoulder across the national highways in Kerala, creating a 620 km-long human 'wall' from the northern end of Kasaragod to the southern tip here on Tuesday as part of a state-sponsored initiative to uphold gender equality.

In a first, lakhs of women stood should-to-shoulder across the national highways in Kerala, creating a 620 km-long human 'wall' from the northern end of Kasaragod to the southern tip here on Tuesday as part of a state-sponsored initiative to uphold gender equality. The event comes days after thousands of devotees lit 'Ayyappa Jyothies' (lighting of sacred lamps) and lined up from Hosangadi in Kasargod to Kanyakumari, vowing to protect the age-old customs and traditions of Sabarimala. On Tuesday, women from various walks of life -- writers, athletes, actors, politicians and techies, government officials and homemakers -- stood across the highways crisscrossing through the 14 districts in the state as the event commenced at 4 pm. Expressing solidarity, thousands of men also lined up parallel forming a second human 'wall'. The 'Women's wall' was conceived in the backdrop of frenzied protests witnessed in the hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala after the CPI(M)-led LDF government decided to implement the Supreme Court verdict, allowing all women to pray at the Ayyappa shrine. The event is part of an initiative to protect secular values, gender equality and to spread a message against those trying to push society into the dark ages, organisers of the programme said. Before the formal start of the event, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan garlanded the statue of social reformer 'Ayyankali'. CPI(M) politburo member Brinda Karat and CPI leader Annie Raja also paid floral tributes at the statue. Vijayan had earlier expressed confidence that women, cutting across lines of caste and religion, would join the 'wall' to save Kerala from being "dragged back into the era of darkness." CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan had earlier said that 50 lakh women were expected to take part in the event. Health minister K K Shylaja led the 'Women's Wall' at Kasaragod and Karat was the last person at the end at Vellayambalam here. School students were given half-day holiday, while universities postponed exams scheduled for Tuesday. The government employees and Technopark employees were allegedly asked to take part in the event, which the main opposition Congress-led UDF dubbed "caste wall" and "wall of contradictions". The participants began lining up at the designated centres since 3 pm. A rehearsal was also held. The 'wall' was formed at 4 pm, with participants taking a pledge to uphold gender equality and renaissance values. The campaign was suggested at a meeting called by the LDF government following massive protests by right-wing parties and a section of devotees over the government's decision to implement the September 28 apex court order, allowing women of all ages to offer prayers at Sabarimala.

Sabarimala row: Kerala women form 620-km long human 'wall' to uphold gender equality 

Three people were injured, one of them seriously, when a country-made bomb exploded near Kuttiyadi police station limits, police said Tuesday.

The explosion occurred at around 12 last night at the compound of one Abdulla Musaliyar and his son, Sali, was among the injured, they said.

A country-made bomb has been recovered from the blast site, they added.

Police were informed about the incident this morning.

A case has been registered and the investigation has begun.

Further details are awaited.

The explosion occurred at around 12 last night at the compound of Abdulla Musaliyar and his son, police said.

Three people were injured, one of them seriously, when a country-made bomb exploded near Kuttiyadi police station limits, police said Tuesday. The explosion occurred at around 12 last night at the compound of one Abdulla Musaliyar and his son, Sali, was among the injured, they said. A country-made bomb has been recovered from the blast site, they added. Police were informed about the incident this morning. A case has been registered and the investigation has begun. Further details are awaited.

Three injured as country bomb explodes in Kerala

Lakhs of women from across Kerala are expected to form a 620 km state-sponsored 'Women's Wall'&nbsp;Tuesday to uphold gender equality and renaissance values, in the backdrop of frenzied protests in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/sabarimala-and-downfall-of-communist-rule-in-kerala-177818">Sabarimala</a> after the ruling LDF decided to implement the Supreme Court verdict, allowing all women to pray at the Ayyappa shrine.

The women will form the wall from Kasargod in northern Kerala to the southernmost district of Thiruvananthapuram.

Health minister K K Shylaja will lead the chain at Kasargod and CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat will be the last person at the end of the chain in Thiruvananthapuram.

In order to ensure the success of the proposed wall, meetings were held at various levels-from ward level to district and constituency level.

The participants will gather at the designated centres on Tuesday at 3 PM, where a rehearsal will be held.

The Wall will be formed between 4 and 4.15 PM, with participants taking a pledge to uphold gender equality and renaissance values.

The proposed wall was suggested at a meeting called by the Kerala government in the backdrop of frenzied protests by right-wing parties and a section of devotees over the states decision to implement the September 28 apex court order, allowing women of all ages into Sabarimala.

"Finding a solution to the issues faced by women is seen as part of the class struggle," Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Monday, adding that ensuring gender equality was part of class struggle.

In Marxist ideology, class struggle is the conflict of interests between workers and the ruling class in a capitalist society.

"The protests by communal forces against women's entry in Sabarimala prompted the government and other progressive organisations to build Women's Wall in the state," Vijayan had said, adding that all women, cutting across castes and religions, would join the wall "to save Kerala from the being dragged back into the era of darkness."

The Universal Records Forum, the team which records amazing feats across the globe, is also understood to have reached the state to witness the exercise.

The pledge for the women's wall, which was released by the Chief Ministers office Sunday, calls for upholding gender equality and renaissance values. 
It also bats for secularism and to oppose the move to turn the state into a 'lunatic asylum.'

Though the state government had initially claimed that it would extend all support to the proposed wall, it withdrew the order, allotting funds for it after a controversy erupted.

While senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has described the initiative as a 'wall of contradiction', UDF MLA M K Muneer had has termed it as a 'communal' wall for inviting participation only from 'progressive Hindu organisations'.

The government has spared no effort to make the wall a huge success with all ministers given charge of either a district or a particular place for the success of the event.

The event is organised by the ruling CPI(M), along with over 176 other socio-political organisations, including the CPI, Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP) and Kerala Pulayar Maha Sabha (KPMS).

The Nair Service Society (NSS), a prominent caste-based organization, RSS and the right-wing groups have opposed this move and formed Ayyappa Jyothi (lighting of sacred lamps) across the state on December 26 to counter it.

Thousands had taken part in the Ayyappa Jyothi, which was undertaken by the Sabarimala Karma Samiti.

The Kudambashree Mission had earlier informed that it alone will field over 1.25 lakh women on January 1.

Many prominent personalities from all spheres of life are expected to take part in the event.&nbsp;

Lakhs of women from across Kerala are expected to form a 620 km state-sponsored 'Women's Wall' Tuesday to uphold gender equality and renaissance values, in the backdrop of frenzied protests in Sabarimala after the ruling LDF decided to implement the Supreme Court verdict, allowing all women to pray at the Ayyappa shrine.

Lakhs of women from across Kerala are expected to form a 620 km state-sponsored 'Women's Wall' Tuesday to uphold gender equality and renaissance values, in the backdrop of frenzied protests in Sabarimala after the ruling LDF decided to implement the Supreme Court verdict, allowing all women to pray at the Ayyappa shrine. The women will form the wall from Kasargod in northern Kerala to the southernmost district of Thiruvananthapuram. Health minister K K Shylaja will lead the chain at Kasargod and CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat will be the last person at the end of the chain in Thiruvananthapuram. In order to ensure the success of the proposed wall, meetings were held at various levels-from ward level to district and constituency level. The participants will gather at the designated centres on Tuesday at 3 PM, where a rehearsal will be held. The Wall will be formed between 4 and 4.15 PM, with participants taking a pledge to uphold gender equality and renaissance values. The proposed wall was suggested at a meeting called by the Kerala government in the backdrop of frenzied protests by right-wing parties and a section of devotees over the states decision to implement the September 28 apex court order, allowing women of all ages into Sabarimala. "Finding a solution to the issues faced by women is seen as part of the class struggle," Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Monday, adding that ensuring gender equality was part of class struggle. In Marxist ideology, class struggle is the conflict of interests between workers and the ruling class in a capitalist society. "The protests by communal forces against women's entry in Sabarimala prompted the government and other progressive organisations to build Women's Wall in the state," Vijayan had said, adding that all women, cutting across castes and religions, would join the wall "to save Kerala from the being dragged back into the era of darkness." The Universal Records Forum, the team which records amazing feats across the globe, is also understood to have reached the state to witness the exercise. The pledge for the women's wall, which was released by the Chief Ministers office Sunday, calls for upholding gender equality and renaissance values. It also bats for secularism and to oppose the move to turn the state into a 'lunatic asylum.' Though the state government had initially claimed that it would extend all support to the proposed wall, it withdrew the order, allotting funds for it after a controversy erupted. While senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has described the initiative as a 'wall of contradiction', UDF MLA M K Muneer had has termed it as a 'communal' wall for inviting participation only from 'progressive Hindu organisations'. The government has spared no effort to make the wall a huge success with all ministers given charge of either a district or a particular place for the success of the event. The event is organised by the ruling CPI(M), along with over 176 other socio-political organisations, including the CPI, Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP) and Kerala Pulayar Maha Sabha (KPMS). The Nair Service Society (NSS), a prominent caste-based organization, RSS and the right-wing groups have opposed this move and formed Ayyappa Jyothi (lighting of sacred lamps) across the state on December 26 to counter it. Thousands had taken part in the Ayyappa Jyothi, which was undertaken by the Sabarimala Karma Samiti. The Kudambashree Mission had earlier informed that it alone will field over 1.25 lakh women on January 1. Many prominent personalities from all spheres of life are expected to take part in the event.

Sabarimala row: Lakhs of women to form 620 km-long 'Women's Wall' in Kerala today

A group of transgenders, who were <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/sabarimala-verdict-missteps-on-gods-stairway-172050">on their way to offer prayers at Sabarimala temple, were stopped here</a>, around 60 km from the shrine, and sent back by police Sunday.

The transgenders alleged that the police harassed them and said they were not banned from darshan at the shrine, but the police said there was a need to get some legal clarity in this issue.

Ananya, Trupti, Renjumol and Avanthika were dressed in black sarees, the traditional pilgrim attire, and were carrying the customary 'irumudikettu' (sacred offerings to God).

They said they reached here in the early hours but the police was reluctant to provide them security and permission to proceed further.

They alleged that the Erumeli Police even asked them to change into male attire for proceeding to the Lord Ayyappa temple.&nbsp;

Ananya said they did not want to change the saree.

"The ban on menstruating women is not applicable to us. Though we have told this to the police, they were not ready to allow us to proceed further. They harassed us mentally and forced us to wear a male dress," Ananya said.

The devotee also said they would approach the high court against the police's move.

However, Kottayam Superintendent of Police S Harishankar rejected the charges of harassment and said everyone had the right to offer prayers at Sabarimala.

"We need to get some more legal clarity in this regard. So, we will approach the high court-appointed panel and seek their advice," he told reporters.

The state had witnessed massive protests by Lord Ayyappa devotees opposing the entry of girls and women of menstrual age into the Sabarimala temple since the Kerala government decided to implement a Supreme Court order permitting women of all age groups into the shrine.

Over a dozen women have so far made unsuccessful attempts to trek the holy hills due to furious protests by devotees and right-wing groups.&nbsp;

A group of transgenders, who were on their way to offer prayers at Sabarimala temple, were stopped here, around 60 km from the shrine, and sent back by police Sunday.

A group of transgenders, who were on their way to offer prayers at Sabarimala temple, were stopped here, around 60 km from the shrine, and sent back by police Sunday. The transgenders alleged that the police harassed them and said they were not banned from darshan at the shrine, but the police said there was a need to get some legal clarity in this issue. Ananya, Trupti, Renjumol and Avanthika were dressed in black sarees, the traditional pilgrim attire, and were carrying the customary 'irumudikettu' (sacred offerings to God). They said they reached here in the early hours but the police was reluctant to provide them security and permission to proceed further. They alleged that the Erumeli Police even asked them to change into male attire for proceeding to the Lord Ayyappa temple. Ananya said they did not want to change the saree. "The ban on menstruating women is not applicable to us. Though we have told this to the police, they were not ready to allow us to proceed further. They harassed us mentally and forced us to wear a male dress," Ananya said. The devotee also said they would approach the high court against the police's move. However, Kottayam Superintendent of Police S Harishankar rejected the charges of harassment and said everyone had the right to offer prayers at Sabarimala. "We need to get some more legal clarity in this regard. So, we will approach the high court-appointed panel and seek their advice," he told reporters. The state had witnessed massive protests by Lord Ayyappa devotees opposing the entry of girls and women of menstrual age into the Sabarimala temple since the Kerala government decided to implement a Supreme Court order permitting women of all age groups into the shrine. Over a dozen women have so far made unsuccessful attempts to trek the holy hills due to furious protests by devotees and right-wing groups.

Now, transgenders en route to Sabarimala sent back by police

After a 20-day lull since the annual pilgrim season began, long queues and packed crowds are back at the Lord Ayyappa Temple here, which had witnessed a drastic dip in pilgrim arrivals in the initial weeks.

The lifting of restrictions imposed by police and ease in tension that had prevailed at the shrine, following protests against the implementation of the Supreme Court verdict, permitting women of all age groups, have triggered a high inflow of devotees after the initial lull.

According to temple sources, over 61,000 pilgrims visited the hilltop temple on Friday alone, indicating a steady increase in the footfalls.

While the headcount was 79,306 on December 3, it was 61,037 on December 4 and 51,335 on December 5, as per the figures.

Over 45,000 pilgrims had visited the Lord Ayyappa temple on December 6, the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition day, though there had been extra vigil and additional security arrangements at the temple complex.

Unlike the previous years, the temple wore a deserted look for many days after it opened for the over two-month-long monthly pilgrim season on November 16.

The number of devotees, who had offered prayers at the shrine, was just 28,717 on November 16, as per figures.

The devastation caused by the August floods had affected the usual pre-season arrangements implemented by the government at Nilackal, the base camp, and Pamba, the last gateway to the hill temple.

The dearth of dormitory facilities, safe drinking water and restrictions imposed on private vehicles have caused difficulties for devotees and affected their usual inflow.

Besides this, the intense protests by devotees and right-wing groups against the LDF government's decision to implement the September 28 apex court verdict on the entry of young women had distanced pilgrims away from the forest temple, located in the Western Ghats.

Prohibitory orders had been invoked in and around Sabarimala by police following the violent protests.

The opposition Congress-led UDF and BJP had been on a warpath against the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government for the past several weeks, demanding the lifting of prohibitory orders.

Raising the same demand, three UDF MLAs have been staging a satyagraha at the portals of the state Assembly, while BJP state general secretary A N Radhakrishnan is on an indefinite fast before the Secretariat since last week.

After a 20-day lull since the annual pilgrim season began, long queues and packed crowds are back at the Lord Ayyappa Temple here, which had witnessed a drastic dip in pilgrim arrivals in the initial weeks.

After a 20-day lull since the annual pilgrim season began, long queues and packed crowds are back at the Lord Ayyappa Temple here, which had witnessed a drastic dip in pilgrim arrivals in the initial weeks. The lifting of restrictions imposed by police and ease in tension that had prevailed at the shrine, following protests against the implementation of the Supreme Court verdict, permitting women of all age groups, have triggered a high inflow of devotees after the initial lull. According to temple sources, over 61,000 pilgrims visited the hilltop temple on Friday alone, indicating a steady increase in the footfalls. While the headcount was 79,306 on December 3, it was 61,037 on December 4 and 51,335 on December 5, as per the figures. Over 45,000 pilgrims had visited the Lord Ayyappa temple on December 6, the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition day, though there had been extra vigil and additional security arrangements at the temple complex. Unlike the previous years, the temple wore a deserted look for many days after it opened for the over two-month-long monthly pilgrim season on November 16. The number of devotees, who had offered prayers at the shrine, was just 28,717 on November 16, as per figures. The devastation caused by the August floods had affected the usual pre-season arrangements implemented by the government at Nilackal, the base camp, and Pamba, the last gateway to the hill temple. The dearth of dormitory facilities, safe drinking water and restrictions imposed on private vehicles have caused difficulties for devotees and affected their usual inflow. Besides this, the intense protests by devotees and right-wing groups against the LDF government's decision to implement the September 28 apex court verdict on the entry of young women had distanced pilgrims away from the forest temple, located in the Western Ghats. Prohibitory orders had been invoked in and around Sabarimala by police following the violent protests. The opposition Congress-led UDF and BJP had been on a warpath against the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government for the past several weeks, demanding the lifting of prohibitory orders. Raising the same demand, three UDF MLAs have been staging a satyagraha at the portals of the state Assembly, while BJP state general secretary A N Radhakrishnan is on an indefinite fast before the Secretariat since last week.

After a lull, long queues, packed crowds back in Sabarimala

Amid the stand-off over entry of women of menstrual age into the Lord Ayyappa temple, the Kerala government Friday informed the High Court that two days could be set apart for women pilgrims of all ages to offer prayers at the Sabarimala hill shrine.

The suggestion was made when the court was hearing a petition moved by four women devotees seeking protection for women of all age groups to offer prayers at the shrine besides facilities for smooth pilgrimage in the wake of the recent Supreme Court judgement.

In their PIL, the four women, in their 20s and 30s, suggested devoting two to three days exclusively to women of all ages "who are desirous to go to Sabarimala after ridding the shrine, its premises and nearby towns from the goons and henchmen" opposing entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

The petition, filed by Reshma Nishanth, Shanila Sajeesh, Dhanya V S and Surya M, came up before a division bench, comprising Chief Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Justice A K Jayasankaran Nambiar.

During the hearing, the state government, in line with the suggestion made by the women, informed the court that two days could be set apart for women of all age groups to offer prayers at the shrine during the pilgrimage season.

The petitioners said they were ardent devotees of Lord Ayyappa and have been observing the customary "vritham" (the mandatory austerities for visiting Sabarimala) adorning the ritual chain and wearing black dresses after the Supreme Court pronounced its judgement opening the hill temple to all women irrespective of age.

The petitioners said they very much wanted to go and pray at the shrine. But due to the protests by some people with the support of leaders of the BJP, the Congress and temple head priest, they could not enter the shrine, they alleged.

They sought a directive to the government to ensure facilities and arrangements for smooth pilgrimage for all women and to provide adequate and sufficient protection to them for entering the temple fearlessly and freely in compliance with the apex court judgment.

Meanwhile, another division bench Friday ordered the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the shrine, not to divert funds to the state government without prior permission of the court.

A bench of justices P R Ramachandra Menon and N Anil Kumar issued the order in the light of complaints that expenses for food and accommodation for the police deployed at the temple were met by the TDB.

The state government claimed that the expenses were met by the government. However, the TDB expressed its willingness to provide food and accommodation to the police at Sannidhanam, the temple complex.

Hundreds of police personnel have been deployed in Sabarimala following protests by Ayyappa devotees opposing the September 28 apex court order.

The temple was opened on November 16 for the over-two-month-long pilgrimage season amid tension.

Amid the stand-off over entry of women of menstrual age into the Lord Ayyappa temple, the Kerala government Friday informed the High Court that two days could be set apart for women pilgrims of all ages to offer prayers at the Sabarimala hill shrine.

Amid the stand-off over entry of women of menstrual age into the Lord Ayyappa temple, the Kerala government Friday informed the High Court that two days could be set apart for women pilgrims of all ages to offer prayers at the Sabarimala hill shrine. The suggestion was made when the court was hearing a petition moved by four women devotees seeking protection for women of all age groups to offer prayers at the shrine besides facilities for smooth pilgrimage in the wake of the recent Supreme Court judgement. In their PIL, the four women, in their 20s and 30s, suggested devoting two to three days exclusively to women of all ages "who are desirous to go to Sabarimala after ridding the shrine, its premises and nearby towns from the goons and henchmen" opposing entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine. The petition, filed by Reshma Nishanth, Shanila Sajeesh, Dhanya V S and Surya M, came up before a division bench, comprising Chief Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Justice A K Jayasankaran Nambiar. During the hearing, the state government, in line with the suggestion made by the women, informed the court that two days could be set apart for women of all age groups to offer prayers at the shrine during the pilgrimage season. The petitioners said they were ardent devotees of Lord Ayyappa and have been observing the customary "vritham" (the mandatory austerities for visiting Sabarimala) adorning the ritual chain and wearing black dresses after the Supreme Court pronounced its judgement opening the hill temple to all women irrespective of age. The petitioners said they very much wanted to go and pray at the shrine. But due to the protests by some people with the support of leaders of the BJP, the Congress and temple head priest, they could not enter the shrine, they alleged. They sought a directive to the government to ensure facilities and arrangements for smooth pilgrimage for all women and to provide adequate and sufficient protection to them for entering the temple fearlessly and freely in compliance with the apex court judgment. Meanwhile, another division bench Friday ordered the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the shrine, not to divert funds to the state government without prior permission of the court. A bench of justices P R Ramachandra Menon and N Anil Kumar issued the order in the light of complaints that expenses for food and accommodation for the police deployed at the temple were met by the TDB. The state government claimed that the expenses were met by the government. However, the TDB expressed its willingness to provide food and accommodation to the police at Sannidhanam, the temple complex. Hundreds of police personnel have been deployed in Sabarimala following protests by Ayyappa devotees opposing the September 28 apex court order. The temple was opened on November 16 for the over-two-month-long pilgrimage season amid tension.

Two days can be set apart for women to pray at Sabarimala: Kerala govt tells high court

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday sought an explanation from the state government for imposing Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in Sannidhanam, Pamba, Nilakkal and Elavungal during the ongoing controversy surrounding the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/sabarimala-and-downfall-of-communist-rule-in-kerala-177818">Sabarimala&nbsp;Temple</a>.&nbsp;

The court directed the state government to explain in detail how Section 144 is being implemented, who are the people coming under its purview and how do the police differentiate between devotees and protesters.&nbsp;

The court was considering a group of petitions questioning the police control imposed in Sabarimala.

On Monday, 69 people were arrested after they allegedly violated Section 144 (unlawful assembly) imposed in the vicinity of the Temple.&nbsp;

A string of protests has been witnessed in the state since the Temple opened for the first time following the top court order on September 28 allowing women of all age groups to enter the Lord Ayappa shrine.

This is the third time that the Temple doors have opened since the apex court lifted the restrictions.

At least 3,505 protesters have been arrested and around 529 cases have been registered in connection with the protests and the incidents of violence that have erupted since the ban was lifted.

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday sought an explanation from the state government for imposing Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in Sannidhanam, Pamba, Nilakkal and Elavungal during the ongoing controversy surrounding the Sabarimala Temple.

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday sought an explanation from the state government for imposing Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in Sannidhanam, Pamba, Nilakkal and Elavungal during the ongoing controversy surrounding the Sabarimala Temple. The court directed the state government to explain in detail how Section 144 is being implemented, who are the people coming under its purview and how do the police differentiate between devotees and protesters. The court was considering a group of petitions questioning the police control imposed in Sabarimala. On Monday, 69 people were arrested after they allegedly violated Section 144 (unlawful assembly) imposed in the vicinity of the Temple. A string of protests has been witnessed in the state since the Temple opened for the first time following the top court order on September 28 allowing women of all age groups to enter the Lord Ayappa shrine. This is the third time that the Temple doors have opened since the apex court lifted the restrictions. At least 3,505 protesters have been arrested and around 529 cases have been registered in connection with the protests and the incidents of violence that have erupted since the ban was lifted.

Sabarimala row: Kerala HC asks explanation from state govt on imposing sec 144

The political slugfest over the Sabarimala issue touched a new low Tuesday with BJP President Amit Shah accusing the Kerala government of treating pilgrims as 'Gulag inmates', prompting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to allege the Sangh Parivar was making the pilgrims 'scapegoats'.

As the stand-off continued over the entry of menstrual age women to Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala after the Supreme Court lifted the ban, Shah slammed the CPI(M)-led government's handling of the situation as "disappointing" and accused it of making them spend nights next to "pig droppings".

In a series of tweets, Shah said, "If several reports of flushing resting places for devotees and them having to spend nights next to pig droppings and dustbin are true, then Pinarayi Vijayan must realize that he can't treat Ayyappa devotees like inmates of Gulag. We won't let LDF crush people's faith with impunity."

Gulag was a system of forced labour camps established during Joseph Stalin's rule in the Soviet Union.

Shah's comments underlined his party's support to devotees protesting against the state government's move to implement the apex court order that allowed the entry of women of all groups to the temple.

Shah said the way Vijayan's government is handling the sensitive issue of Sabarimala is disappointing as the "Kerala police is treating young girls, mothers and aged inhumanly, forcing them to take the arduous pilgrimage, without even basic facilities like food, water, shelter and clean toilets".

"If Pinarayi Vijayan thinks he can rise against people's movement to preserve Sabarimala by arresting K Surendran, BJP's Thrissur district president and six others, then he is mistaken," Shah said.

Vijayan on his part lashed out at the BJP and right-wing outfits, accusing them of exploiting the Sabarimala issue for their "political gains" and trying to 'capture' and take control of the hill-top shrine.

In hard-hitting remarks, he alleged that the Sangh Parivar's agenda was to create trouble by sending "kar sevaks" to take control of the temple and make the pilgrims "scapegoats".

Addressing a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayan also defended the arrest of 69 people from the temple complex on Sunday night and slammed the Congress for opposing implementation of the Supreme Court order.

He alleged the RSS and Congress "have become one" on the Sabarimala issue.

Vijayan asserted that Sabarimala would not be allowed to be transformed into a "centre of violence" and his government "will not compromise" with those perpetrating violence in the temple complex. 
He alleged Sangh Parivar was "exploiting Sabarimala in the name of faith" and trying to take control of the temple.

"All protection would be given to the pilgrims visiting the shrine for darshan," Vijayan said.

Targeting the main opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front, he said the Congress' national leadership wanted the Supreme Court verdict to be implemented, but the state unit had a different take.

"Ramesh Chennithala (leader of the opposition in the state assembly) has changed his stance multiple times which ultimately helped the Sangh Parivar politics," he said.

Defending the police action on Sunday night arresting 69 devotees from 'Sannidhanam' (the main temple complex), the chief minister said "conscious efforts" were made by some people to stay back there even after the customary closing song "Harivarasanam" and despite prohibitory orders.

"Most of them have not come to the temple through the normal route but preferred the forest path evading checking.

"Conscious efforts were made by some people to stay back at Sannidhanam even after 'Harivarasanam'," he said.

"Their specific plan is to gain full control of Sabarimala," Vijayan charged and named six Sangh Parivar office-bearers whom he alleged posed as devotees to create problems at Sabarimala on Sunday night.

The Chief Minister also referred to a BJP circular through which, he said, it had planned to deploy its cadre in an organised manner at Sabarimala to ensure that no young women would enter the shrine on the strength of the September 28 court verdict.

"As per the circular of the BJP, they would be sending the "karsevaks" with a hidden agenda to capture and take control of Sabarimala," Vijayan alleged.

He also pointed to statements reportedly made by BJP state chief P S Sreedharan Pillai, including that the Sabarimala issue was an "opportunity for the Sangh parivar" and the saffron party and their agitation was "not against women's entry" but against the Communist party.

"Pillai has made it clear earlier itself that Sabarimala issue was a good opportunity for the Sangh parivar," Vijayan alleged.

Alleging that the Sangh Parivar has a "doctorate in peddling fake news", he said it has unleashed "fake campaign" against the state maligning its image.

The political slugfest over the Sabarimala issue touched a new low Tuesday with BJP President Amit Shah accusing the Kerala government of treating pilgrims as 'Gulag inmates', prompting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to allege the Sangh Parivar was making the pilgrims 'scapegoats'.

The political slugfest over the Sabarimala issue touched a new low Tuesday with BJP President Amit Shah accusing the Kerala government of treating pilgrims as 'Gulag inmates', prompting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to allege the Sangh Parivar was making the pilgrims 'scapegoats'. As the stand-off continued over the entry of menstrual age women to Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala after the Supreme Court lifted the ban, Shah slammed the CPI(M)-led government's handling of the situation as "disappointing" and accused it of making them spend nights next to "pig droppings". In a series of tweets, Shah said, "If several reports of flushing resting places for devotees and them having to spend nights next to pig droppings and dustbin are true, then Pinarayi Vijayan must realize that he can't treat Ayyappa devotees like inmates of Gulag. We won't let LDF crush people's faith with impunity." Gulag was a system of forced labour camps established during Joseph Stalin's rule in the Soviet Union. Shah's comments underlined his party's support to devotees protesting against the state government's move to implement the apex court order that allowed the entry of women of all groups to the temple. Shah said the way Vijayan's government is handling the sensitive issue of Sabarimala is disappointing as the "Kerala police is treating young girls, mothers and aged inhumanly, forcing them to take the arduous pilgrimage, without even basic facilities like food, water, shelter and clean toilets". "If Pinarayi Vijayan thinks he can rise against people's movement to preserve Sabarimala by arresting K Surendran, BJP's Thrissur district president and six others, then he is mistaken," Shah said. Vijayan on his part lashed out at the BJP and right-wing outfits, accusing them of exploiting the Sabarimala issue for their "political gains" and trying to 'capture' and take control of the hill-top shrine. In hard-hitting remarks, he alleged that the Sangh Parivar's agenda was to create trouble by sending "kar sevaks" to take control of the temple and make the pilgrims "scapegoats". Addressing a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayan also defended the arrest of 69 people from the temple complex on Sunday night and slammed the Congress for opposing implementation of the Supreme Court order. He alleged the RSS and Congress "have become one" on the Sabarimala issue. Vijayan asserted that Sabarimala would not be allowed to be transformed into a "centre of violence" and his government "will not compromise" with those perpetrating violence in the temple complex. He alleged Sangh Parivar was "exploiting Sabarimala in the name of faith" and trying to take control of the temple. "All protection would be given to the pilgrims visiting the shrine for darshan," Vijayan said. Targeting the main opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front, he said the Congress' national leadership wanted the Supreme Court verdict to be implemented, but the state unit had a different take. "Ramesh Chennithala (leader of the opposition in the state assembly) has changed his stance multiple times which ultimately helped the Sangh Parivar politics," he said. Defending the police action on Sunday night arresting 69 devotees from 'Sannidhanam' (the main temple complex), the chief minister said "conscious efforts" were made by some people to stay back there even after the customary closing song "Harivarasanam" and despite prohibitory orders. "Most of them have not come to the temple through the normal route but preferred the forest path evading checking. "Conscious efforts were made by some people to stay back at Sannidhanam even after 'Harivarasanam'," he said. "Their specific plan is to gain full control of Sabarimala," Vijayan charged and named six Sangh Parivar office-bearers whom he alleged posed as devotees to create problems at Sabarimala on Sunday night. The Chief Minister also referred to a BJP circular through which, he said, it had planned to deploy its cadre in an organised manner at Sabarimala to ensure that no young women would enter the shrine on the strength of the September 28 court verdict. "As per the circular of the BJP, they would be sending the "karsevaks" with a hidden agenda to capture and take control of Sabarimala," Vijayan alleged. He also pointed to statements reportedly made by BJP state chief P S Sreedharan Pillai, including that the Sabarimala issue was an "opportunity for the Sangh parivar" and the saffron party and their agitation was "not against women's entry" but against the Communist party. "Pillai has made it clear earlier itself that Sabarimala issue was a good opportunity for the Sangh parivar," Vijayan alleged. Alleging that the Sangh Parivar has a "doctorate in peddling fake news", he said it has unleashed "fake campaign" against the state maligning its image.

Sabarimala pilgrims treated as 'Gulag inmates', alleges Shah; Kerala CM hits back 

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking more time to implement its verdict allowing women of all age groups to enter Kerala's Sabarimala temple.

The Board, which manages the hill shrine, has cited lack of basic amenities among other things as the reason for seeking more time from the top court.

The announcement on the TDB's move came amid mounting tension against the backdrop of the stand-off over entry of women in the 10-50 age group, traditionally barred at the shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, a celibate.

Pilgrims had said there was lack of adequate toilet facilities, causing immense difficulties especially to women, and rest rooms after the floods in August that had destroyed the infrastructure.

The top court had earlier refused to stay its verdict while agreeing to hear in open court a batch of petitions seeking review of its September 28 verdict by which it had lifted the ban on entry of women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala temple.

On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in 4:1 verdict had paved the way for entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple, saying the ban amounted to gender discrimination.&nbsp;

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking more time to implement its verdict allowing women of all age groups to enter Kerala's Sabarimala temple.

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking more time to implement its verdict allowing women of all age groups to enter Kerala's Sabarimala temple. The Board, which manages the hill shrine, has cited lack of basic amenities among other things as the reason for seeking more time from the top court. The announcement on the TDB's move came amid mounting tension against the backdrop of the stand-off over entry of women in the 10-50 age group, traditionally barred at the shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, a celibate. Pilgrims had said there was lack of adequate toilet facilities, causing immense difficulties especially to women, and rest rooms after the floods in August that had destroyed the infrastructure. The top court had earlier refused to stay its verdict while agreeing to hear in open court a batch of petitions seeking review of its September 28 verdict by which it had lifted the ban on entry of women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala temple. On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in 4:1 verdict had paved the way for entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple, saying the ban amounted to gender discrimination.

Sabarimala: Travancore Devaswom Board moves SC seeking more time to implement verdict

Amid mounting tension in Kerala over the issue of women's entry into Sabarimala temple, the Congress on Sunday accused the CPI(M)-led state government of creating a 'terror-like atmosphere' in the name of security of the hill shrine.

The Congress levelled the allegation as a three-member party delegation comprising former state ministers Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, Adoor Prakash and V S Sivakumar left for Sabarimala to study the situation there.

"The Sabarimala Sannidhanam has virtually turned into a fortress, where the entry of devotees of Lord Ayyappa are being restricted," Radhakrishnan, who is also a legislator, told reporters here.

Prakash, representing the Konni Assembly constituency, claimed that heavy police deployment at Sabarimala was disrupting the normal flow of devotees.

"The government, using the police force, is creating a terror-like atmosphere in the name of ensuring security of the Lord Ayyappa shrine," he alleged.

Sivakumar, a former Devaswom minister, alleged that the government had not taken any step to provide basic facilities for the huge number of pilgrims visiting the temple.

The MLA from Thiruvananthapuram said devotees face a lot of hardship due to lack of basic facilities at Nilackal, Pamba and Sannidhanam.

Before heading to Sabarimala, the Congress leaders alleged that the state government was not interested in setting up necessary infrastructure and security for the pilgrims and instead was only interested in creating hardships for them.

Amid tight security, thousands of pilgrims paid their obeisance at the Lord Ayyappa shrine on Saturday, which was also the first day of Malayalam month 'Vrischikom'. The temple opened on Friday evening for the two-month annual pilgrimage season even as the stand-off over entry of women of menstruating age into the temple continued.

The temple complex and nearby areas had witnessed protests by devotees when it was opened for monthly pujas for eight days in October and early this month against the LDF government's attempt to implement the apex court verdict allowing women of all age groups to pray at the shrine.

Social activist Trupti Desai, who arrived at Kochi airport Friday en route Sabarimala, was forced to return to Maharashtra after she faced an over 13-hour protest.

Amid mounting tension in Kerala over the issue of women's entry into Sabarimala temple, the Congress on Sunday accused the CPI(M)-led state government of creating a 'terror-like atmosphere' in the name of security of the hill shrine.

Amid mounting tension in Kerala over the issue of women's entry into Sabarimala temple, the Congress on Sunday accused the CPI(M)-led state government of creating a 'terror-like atmosphere' in the name of security of the hill shrine. The Congress levelled the allegation as a three-member party delegation comprising former state ministers Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, Adoor Prakash and V S Sivakumar left for Sabarimala to study the situation there. "The Sabarimala Sannidhanam has virtually turned into a fortress, where the entry of devotees of Lord Ayyappa are being restricted," Radhakrishnan, who is also a legislator, told reporters here. Prakash, representing the Konni Assembly constituency, claimed that heavy police deployment at Sabarimala was disrupting the normal flow of devotees. "The government, using the police force, is creating a terror-like atmosphere in the name of ensuring security of the Lord Ayyappa shrine," he alleged. Sivakumar, a former Devaswom minister, alleged that the government had not taken any step to provide basic facilities for the huge number of pilgrims visiting the temple. The MLA from Thiruvananthapuram said devotees face a lot of hardship due to lack of basic facilities at Nilackal, Pamba and Sannidhanam. Before heading to Sabarimala, the Congress leaders alleged that the state government was not interested in setting up necessary infrastructure and security for the pilgrims and instead was only interested in creating hardships for them. Amid tight security, thousands of pilgrims paid their obeisance at the Lord Ayyappa shrine on Saturday, which was also the first day of Malayalam month 'Vrischikom'. The temple opened on Friday evening for the two-month annual pilgrimage season even as the stand-off over entry of women of menstruating age into the temple continued. The temple complex and nearby areas had witnessed protests by devotees when it was opened for monthly pujas for eight days in October and early this month against the LDF government's attempt to implement the apex court verdict allowing women of all age groups to pray at the shrine. Social activist Trupti Desai, who arrived at Kochi airport Friday en route Sabarimala, was forced to return to Maharashtra after she faced an over 13-hour protest.

CPI(M)-led Kerala govt creating terror-like atmosphere in name of security of Sabarimala temple: Congress

As I write this, Section 144 of the IPC, prohibiting the assembly of more than four persons, has been imposed in Sannidhanam, Pamba, Nilakkal, and Elavungal. It seems Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has a problem. Is it none other than Lord Ayyappan himself? Or, should I say, Lord Ayyappan as he is manifest at Sabarimala? For though he is worshipped in thousands of shrines across South India, it is in this remote temple complex inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve that the lord attracts the largest and most fervent flock of devotees. Some 15-30 million of them, throng to seek his darshan each year, most after a rigorous 41-day penance. Wearing black clothes, walking barefoot, abstaining from alcohol, meat, sex, and sleeping on the floor are among the rigours that the Sabarimala pilgrimage demands.

In 1991 the Kerala High Court forbade girls/women between 10 and 50 years &nbsp;from visiting this temple. The Supreme Court overturned that judgment on September 28 ruling the “selective ban on women” as “unconstitutional and discriminatory”. Many offended devotees felt this order was interventionist and unfair. In fact, the lone woman judge in the five-member bench, Justice Indu Malhotra, dissented: “It is not for court to interfere in religious practices even if it appears discriminatory. Notions of rationality cannot be brought into matters of religion,” she opined. Indeed, a group of female devotees of the lord, started their “Ready To Wait” campaign in September 2016 to oppose the petition to allow women into the shrine.

On November 14, the apex court declined to stay its order of September 28, referring the many review petitions to the Constitution bench slated to meet on January 22, 2019. On November 15, Sabarimala reopened to devotees after the Mandalapooja. The darshans will continue till December 26, then again from Makara Sankranti (January 14) till Maha Vishuva Sankranti (April 14). The all-party meeting called on November 15 by Vijayan also failed to resolve the Sabarimala impasse. The Congress walked out, accusing the Communist government of forcibly entering women into the temple, thereby trampling on the sentiments of devotees. Ramesh Chennithala, Congress MLA and Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, said, “The CM was not ready to listen to us…the government will be responsible for all the untoward incidents that will happen in the shrine.” The BJP too walked out of the proceedings, leaving the Communists red-faced and isolated to face the political repercussions of Sabarimala on their own.

A huge posse of security personnel polices the premises: The more repressive and brutal the Communist state and police machinery, the more it risks an adverse backlash from people of Kerala. With huge crowds swamping the pilgrimage route, neither the safety of the few women who dare — or are instigated — to enter can be guaranteed, nor the likelihood of some untoward if not violent upsurge ruled out. Setting aside separate days or timings to allow women into the shrine is only likely to exacerbate the anger of the people.&nbsp;

Congress leader Chennithala accused Vijayan’s government of “playing to the tune of RSS-BJP”. Though this was the usual political finger-pointing, his statement might turn out, to Congress’s regret and discomfiture, truer than he might have imagined. BJP state chief PS Sreedharan Pillai warned that “the CM is going to pay high price for his arrogance over the issue.” The pilgrim season of the coming 64 days will prove crucial to the political fortunes of Vijayan and his Left Democratic Front (LDF) regime. Apparently, some 550 women have already registered online to exercise their rights to have the darshan of Lord Ayappan. It is now Vijayan’s responsibility to ensure that they are allowed inside the temple. But should he enforce the Supreme Court’s order, it will bring his government into a head-on collision with not only the Pandalam royal family and the head priest of the shrine, but with the BJP as well as the organised people’s resistance to the change of temple rituals and practices.

History has been rewritten in Indian state politics whenever the Hindu vote has consolidated, whether in UP, Gujarat, or more recently, in Assam or Tripura. The triggers may be varied — from Ram Janmabhoomi to Godhra to illegal immigrants. Hindus being a majority in most Indian states, the BJP has been the natural beneficiary of such a consolidation. The Supreme Court verdict, full of what some critics consider pompous grand-standing and virtue-signalling, may actually give the BJP the fillip it so desperately needs. Kerala Hindus thus far have resembled a house divided. Will that change now? Will insults and humiliation, along with anger and outrage, be the Molotov cocktail to overthrow Communist rule’s last bastion in India? 
 
(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the<a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-sabarimala-and-downfall-of-communist-rule-in-kerala-2686484"> original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

As I write this, Section 144 of the IPC, prohibiting the assembly of more than four persons, has been imposed in Sannidhanam, Pamba, Nilakkal, and Elavungal. It seems Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has a problem.

As I write this, Section 144 of the IPC, prohibiting the assembly of more than four persons, has been imposed in Sannidhanam, Pamba, Nilakkal, and Elavungal. It seems Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has a problem. Is it none other than Lord Ayyappan himself? Or, should I say, Lord Ayyappan as he is manifest at Sabarimala? For though he is worshipped in thousands of shrines across South India, it is in this remote temple complex inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve that the lord attracts the largest and most fervent flock of devotees. Some 15-30 million of them, throng to seek his darshan each year, most after a rigorous 41-day penance. Wearing black clothes, walking barefoot, abstaining from alcohol, meat, sex, and sleeping on the floor are among the rigours that the Sabarimala pilgrimage demands. In 1991 the Kerala High Court forbade girls/women between 10 and 50 years from visiting this temple. The Supreme Court overturned that judgment on September 28 ruling the “selective ban on women” as “unconstitutional and discriminatory”. Many offended devotees felt this order was interventionist and unfair. In fact, the lone woman judge in the five-member bench, Justice Indu Malhotra, dissented: “It is not for court to interfere in religious practices even if it appears discriminatory. Notions of rationality cannot be brought into matters of religion,” she opined. Indeed, a group of female devotees of the lord, started their “Ready To Wait” campaign in September 2016 to oppose the petition to allow women into the shrine. On November 14, the apex court declined to stay its order of September 28, referring the many review petitions to the Constitution bench slated to meet on January 22, 2019. On November 15, Sabarimala reopened to devotees after the Mandalapooja. The darshans will continue till December 26, then again from Makara Sankranti (January 14) till Maha Vishuva Sankranti (April 14). The all-party meeting called on November 15 by Vijayan also failed to resolve the Sabarimala impasse. The Congress walked out, accusing the Communist government of forcibly entering women into the temple, thereby trampling on the sentiments of devotees. Ramesh Chennithala, Congress MLA and Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, said, “The CM was not ready to listen to us…the government will be responsible for all the untoward incidents that will happen in the shrine.” The BJP too walked out of the proceedings, leaving the Communists red-faced and isolated to face the political repercussions of Sabarimala on their own. A huge posse of security personnel polices the premises: The more repressive and brutal the Communist state and police machinery, the more it risks an adverse backlash from people of Kerala. With huge crowds swamping the pilgrimage route, neither the safety of the few women who dare — or are instigated — to enter can be guaranteed, nor the likelihood of some untoward if not violent upsurge ruled out. Setting aside separate days or timings to allow women into the shrine is only likely to exacerbate the anger of the people. Congress leader Chennithala accused Vijayan’s government of “playing to the tune of RSS-BJP”. Though this was the usual political finger-pointing, his statement might turn out, to Congress’s regret and discomfiture, truer than he might have imagined. BJP state chief PS Sreedharan Pillai warned that “the CM is going to pay high price for his arrogance over the issue.” The pilgrim season of the coming 64 days will prove crucial to the political fortunes of Vijayan and his Left Democratic Front (LDF) regime. Apparently, some 550 women have already registered online to exercise their rights to have the darshan of Lord Ayappan. It is now Vijayan’s responsibility to ensure that they are allowed inside the temple. But should he enforce the Supreme Court’s order, it will bring his government into a head-on collision with not only the Pandalam royal family and the head priest of the shrine, but with the BJP as well as the organised people’s resistance to the change of temple rituals and practices. History has been rewritten in Indian state politics whenever the Hindu vote has consolidated, whether in UP, Gujarat, or more recently, in Assam or Tripura. The triggers may be varied — from Ram Janmabhoomi to Godhra to illegal immigrants. Hindus being a majority in most Indian states, the BJP has been the natural beneficiary of such a consolidation. The Supreme Court verdict, full of what some critics consider pompous grand-standing and virtue-signalling, may actually give the BJP the fillip it so desperately needs. Kerala Hindus thus far have resembled a house divided. Will that change now? Will insults and humiliation, along with anger and outrage, be the Molotov cocktail to overthrow Communist rule’s last bastion in India? (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Sabarimala and downfall of Communist rule in Kerala

The Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the Sabarimala shrine, would move the Supreme Court on Monday seeking more time to implement its order allowing women of menstrual age to offer prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple.

The TDB's move comes a day after the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, at an all-party meeting, took a firm stand that it was bound to implement the top court order and rejected suggestions by opposition parties that it seek time from the court.

"We will move the Supreme court on Monday through Advocate Chandra Uday Singh" TDB President A Padmakumar, told PTI.

The board had Friday said it would move the apex court either Saturday or Monday seeking more time to implement the September 28 verdict of the top court allowing women of all age groups to offer prayers at the Sabarimala shrine as it wanted the devotees to have peaceful 'darshan'.

The temple and surrounding areas have come under unprecedented security for the season which draws lakhs of devotees to offer prayers to Lord Ayyappa. 
The Supreme Court is slated to hear petitions seeking review of its September 28 order in January, but has refused to stay it.&nbsp;

The Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the Sabarimala shrine, would move the Supreme Court on Monday seeking more time to implement its order allowing women of menstrual age to offer prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple.

The Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the Sabarimala shrine, would move the Supreme Court on Monday seeking more time to implement its order allowing women of menstrual age to offer prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple. The TDB's move comes a day after the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, at an all-party meeting, took a firm stand that it was bound to implement the top court order and rejected suggestions by opposition parties that it seek time from the court. "We will move the Supreme court on Monday through Advocate Chandra Uday Singh" TDB President A Padmakumar, told PTI. The board had Friday said it would move the apex court either Saturday or Monday seeking more time to implement the September 28 verdict of the top court allowing women of all age groups to offer prayers at the Sabarimala shrine as it wanted the devotees to have peaceful 'darshan'. The temple and surrounding areas have come under unprecedented security for the season which draws lakhs of devotees to offer prayers to Lord Ayyappa. The Supreme Court is slated to hear petitions seeking review of its September 28 order in January, but has refused to stay it.

Sabarimala row: Travancore Devaswom Board to move Supreme Court on Monday

The Kerala government Tuesday convened an all-party meeting on November 15 to discuss various issues relating to the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala, which witnessed widespread protests following the Supreme Court decision to permit entry of women of all ages into the shrine.

The decision to call the meeting comes on a day when <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-case-sc-defers-hear-review-petitions-on-january-22-refuses-to-stay-earlier-verdict-177077">the apex court refused to stay its September 28 verdict</a>, lifting the centuries-old ban on girls and women in the 10-50 age group from entering the shrine and decided to hear a batch of review petitions in open court on January 22.

The two-month-long annual 'Mandala Makkaravillakku' season will start on November 17 and the meeting will also take stock of the arrangements made for devotees.

The temple had witnessed a string of protests from devotees when it opened for monthly pujas for five days in October and two days early this month.

Over 3,700 persons have been arrested so far and 546 cases registered against various people for violence during protests across the state after the top court permitted women of all ages to pray at the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala.

Over 500 young women registered for darshan in the online queue website of Kerala police last week.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Kerala government Tuesday convened an all-party meeting on November 15 to discuss various issues relating to the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala, which witnessed widespread protests following the Supreme Court decision to permit entry of women of all ages into the shrine.

The Kerala government Tuesday convened an all-party meeting on November 15 to discuss various issues relating to the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala, which witnessed widespread protests following the Supreme Court decision to permit entry of women of all ages into the shrine. The decision to call the meeting comes on a day when the apex court refused to stay its September 28 verdict, lifting the centuries-old ban on girls and women in the 10-50 age group from entering the shrine and decided to hear a batch of review petitions in open court on January 22. The two-month-long annual 'Mandala Makkaravillakku' season will start on November 17 and the meeting will also take stock of the arrangements made for devotees. The temple had witnessed a string of protests from devotees when it opened for monthly pujas for five days in October and two days early this month. Over 3,700 persons have been arrested so far and 546 cases registered against various people for violence during protests across the state after the top court permitted women of all ages to pray at the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala. Over 500 young women registered for darshan in the online queue website of Kerala police last week.

All-party meeting in Kerala on Sabarimala issue on Nov 15

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, on Tuesday, said that his government will take a final call on the Sabarimala case after consulting with legal experts, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The Chief Minister told media that the Supreme Court on today noted that its verdict, allowing women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple, stands and that the review petitions will be heard on January 22.&nbsp;

He said that the Kerala government will decide further course of action on the case after the 'Makaravilakku' pilgrim season ends on January 21.&nbsp;

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SC has clearly said that its verdict allowing entry of women between age groups 10-50 yrs to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> stands. Review petitions will be heard on Jan 22, after the 'Makaravilakku' season ends on Jan 21. Govt will discuss with legal experts &amp; move forward: Kerala CM <a href="https://t.co/ruF3HOsyZE">pic.twitter.com/ruF3HOsyZE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1062313058834546699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"We are waiting for details of the apex court's decision. The Chief Minister had earlier declared that whatever decision the apex court takes, it will be implemented.

The government will evaluate the situation and take an appropriate decision", he said

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-case-sc-defers-hear-review-petitions-on-january-22-refuses-to-stay-earlier-verdict-177077">Supreme Court today refused to stay its verdict</a> allowing entry of women of all age groups into the Sabarimala temple, but agreed to hear in open court on January 22, a batch of review petitions in the matter.

The review petitions against the September 28 verdict were taken up 'in-chamber' by a bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices R F Nariman, A M Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

"All the review petitions along with all pending applications will be heard in Open Court on 22nd January, 2019 before the appropriate Bench. 
We make it clear that there is no stay of the judgement and order of this Court dated 28th September, 2018 passed in Writ Petition (Civil) No.373 of 2006 (Indian Young Lawyers Association &amp; Ors. Vs.The State of Kerala &amp; Ors)," the order said.

There are around 50 petitions seeking review of the judgement.

On September 28, the Supreme Court of India pronounced its verdict allowing the entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala Temple.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, on Tuesday, said that his government will take a final call on the Sabarimala case after consulting with legal experts, news agency ANI reported.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, on Tuesday, said that his government will take a final call on the Sabarimala case after consulting with legal experts, news agency ANI reported. The Chief Minister told media that the Supreme Court on today noted that its verdict, allowing women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple, stands and that the review petitions will be heard on January 22. He said that the Kerala government will decide further course of action on the case after the 'Makaravilakku' pilgrim season ends on January 21. SC has clearly said that its verdict allowing entry of women between age groups 10-50 yrs to #SabarimalaTemple stands. Review petitions will be heard on Jan 22, after the 'Makaravilakku' season ends on Jan 21. Govt will discuss with legal experts & move forward: Kerala CM pic.twitter.com/ruF3HOsyZE — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2018 × "We are waiting for details of the apex court's decision. The Chief Minister had earlier declared that whatever decision the apex court takes, it will be implemented. The government will evaluate the situation and take an appropriate decision", he said The Supreme Court today refused to stay its verdict allowing entry of women of all age groups into the Sabarimala temple, but agreed to hear in open court on January 22, a batch of review petitions in the matter. The review petitions against the September 28 verdict were taken up 'in-chamber' by a bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices R F Nariman, A M Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra, news agency PTI reported. "All the review petitions along with all pending applications will be heard in Open Court on 22nd January, 2019 before the appropriate Bench. We make it clear that there is no stay of the judgement and order of this Court dated 28th September, 2018 passed in Writ Petition (Civil) No.373 of 2006 (Indian Young Lawyers Association & Ors. Vs.The State of Kerala & Ors)," the order said. There are around 50 petitions seeking review of the judgement. On September 28, the Supreme Court of India pronounced its verdict allowing the entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala Temple.

Will take final call after consulting legal experts: Kerala CM Vijayan on Sabarimala

Congress leader and MLA K Muraleedharan Saturday asked Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to convene an all-party meeting before the Mandala- Makaravilikku pilgrimage season at Sabarimala, beginning November 17, to sort out 'infrastructure bottlenecks.'

He alleged that even basic infrastructure like toilets and drinking water for pilgrims were yet to be readied at Sabarimala.

"Though the pilgrim season is just a week away, basic amenities such as drinking water and toilets for thousands of of pilgrims who are expected to visit the place are yet to be arranged.

The Chief Minister must shed his arrogance and call an all-party meeting," he said at a press meet here.

Lakhs of pilgrims from the country and abroad visit the Lord Ayyappa Temple every year during the annual Mandala-Makaravilikku pilgrimage season every year.

The Congress MLA also sought a judicial probe into the death of a man who was pushed in front of a moving car, allegedly by a police official.

He said the Chief Minister was yet to visit the grieving family of Sanal.

32-year-old Sanal was killed after being pushed in front of a moving car, allegedly by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) (Neyyatinkara) B Harikumar at Neyyatinkara near here.

Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor also demanded Rs 50 lakh compensation and a government job for Sanal's widow.&nbsp;

Congress leader and MLA K Muraleedharan Saturday asked Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to convene an all-party meeting before the Mandala- Makaravilikku pilgrimage season at Sabarimala, beginning November 17, to sort out 'infrastructure bottlenecks.

Congress leader and MLA K Muraleedharan Saturday asked Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to convene an all-party meeting before the Mandala- Makaravilikku pilgrimage season at Sabarimala, beginning November 17, to sort out 'infrastructure bottlenecks.' He alleged that even basic infrastructure like toilets and drinking water for pilgrims were yet to be readied at Sabarimala. "Though the pilgrim season is just a week away, basic amenities such as drinking water and toilets for thousands of of pilgrims who are expected to visit the place are yet to be arranged. The Chief Minister must shed his arrogance and call an all-party meeting," he said at a press meet here. Lakhs of pilgrims from the country and abroad visit the Lord Ayyappa Temple every year during the annual Mandala-Makaravilikku pilgrimage season every year. The Congress MLA also sought a judicial probe into the death of a man who was pushed in front of a moving car, allegedly by a police official. He said the Chief Minister was yet to visit the grieving family of Sanal. 32-year-old Sanal was killed after being pushed in front of a moving car, allegedly by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) (Neyyatinkara) B Harikumar at Neyyatinkara near here. Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor also demanded Rs 50 lakh compensation and a government job for Sanal's widow.

Congress MLA urges CM Vijayan to call all-party meeting on Sabarimala

BJP workers Tuesday began a dawn-to-dusk hunger strike in front of Kerala DGP's office here, intensifying its agitation against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's crackdown on Sabarimala protesters.&nbsp;

BJP cadres also took out marches to offices of the Superintendents of Police in all district headquarters to condemn the government for arresting the agitators.

Addressing party workers here, BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai alleged the ruling CPI(M) was on the road to "liquidation" and the party's graph was coming down.

Former Union minister and party's lone MLA in the state assembly, O Rajagopal, was also present.

Veteran Marxist leader M M Lawrence's grandson was among the protesters.&nbsp;

Over 3,500 people have so far been arrested and 529 cases registered in connection with the protests and demonstrations against the implementation of the Supreme court verdict allowing women of all age groups into the Lord Ayyappa temple.

BJP national president Amit Shah, who was in Kerala on October 27 had extended full support to the devotees protesting the entry of women of all ages into the shrine.&nbsp;

The saffron party had announced that it would be taking out a 'Rath Yatra' from Kasaragod to Pathnamthitta, where the Sabarimala temple is located, from November 8 to 13 to "save the customs and traditions" of the hill shrine.

The temple had witnessed high drama after around a dozen women in the 10-50 age group were prevented by protesting devotees from entering it after the temple doors were opened for monthly pujas between October 17 and 22.

The Lord Ayyappa temple's three month-long pilgrim season is commencing from November 17 and the state government has reiterated that all devotees would be allowed to offer prayers at the shrine.

The temple will also open for a day on November 5 for a special pooja.&nbsp;

BJP workers Tuesday began a dawn-to-dusk hunger strike in front of Kerala DGP's office here, intensifying its agitation against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's crackdown on Sabarimala protesters.

BJP workers Tuesday began a dawn-to-dusk hunger strike in front of Kerala DGP's office here, intensifying its agitation against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's crackdown on Sabarimala protesters. BJP cadres also took out marches to offices of the Superintendents of Police in all district headquarters to condemn the government for arresting the agitators. Addressing party workers here, BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai alleged the ruling CPI(M) was on the road to "liquidation" and the party's graph was coming down. Former Union minister and party's lone MLA in the state assembly, O Rajagopal, was also present. Veteran Marxist leader M M Lawrence's grandson was among the protesters. Over 3,500 people have so far been arrested and 529 cases registered in connection with the protests and demonstrations against the implementation of the Supreme court verdict allowing women of all age groups into the Lord Ayyappa temple. BJP national president Amit Shah, who was in Kerala on October 27 had extended full support to the devotees protesting the entry of women of all ages into the shrine. The saffron party had announced that it would be taking out a 'Rath Yatra' from Kasaragod to Pathnamthitta, where the Sabarimala temple is located, from November 8 to 13 to "save the customs and traditions" of the hill shrine. The temple had witnessed high drama after around a dozen women in the 10-50 age group were prevented by protesting devotees from entering it after the temple doors were opened for monthly pujas between October 17 and 22. The Lord Ayyappa temple's three month-long pilgrim season is commencing from November 17 and the state government has reiterated that all devotees would be allowed to offer prayers at the shrine. The temple will also open for a day on November 5 for a special pooja.

BJP begins dawn-to-dusk hunger strike over arrest of Sabarimala protesters

Police Sunday took into custody Rahul Easwar, president of the 'Ayyappa Dharma Sena', for his alleged provocative statement related to the entry of women into the Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala.

A team of police personnel from Kochi took Easwar into custody from his flat in Thiruvananthapuram in connection with a case registered under IPC Sections 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) and 117 (abetting commission of offence by the public or by more than 10 persons), police said.

The arrest will be recorded in the evening after they reach Kochi, police sources said.

A member of the Thazhamon family of Sabarimala tantris (head priests), Easwar had said during a press meet in Kochi last week that they had a contingency plan to force the closure of the temple by spilling blood on its premises by some devotees in case any woman in the 'barred' age group managed to reach it.

He had also claimed that 20 Lord Ayyappa devotees opposing the entry of women in the age group of 10 and 50 were ready to inflict knife injuries on themselves on the temple premises, which would have forced the priests to close the gates on account of impurity.

"Had their blood fallen on the floor of the temple, that would have forced the priests to shut the shrine for three days for purification rituals," Easwar had said.

A case was registered against him later on the basis of a complaint filed by a Thiruvananthapuram native.

Kerala Devaswom Minister Kadakkampally Surendran had claimed that effective police intervention had foiled the protesters' bid to "desecrate" the Ayyappa Temple by spilling blood in the premises if women devotees in the 10-50 age group offered prayers.

He had said the "conspiracy" of the devotees was made clear by the statement of Rahul Easwar.

The Minister had also said the disclosure showed that there was a well-conceived plan, similar to that followed by nations to attack their enemies and added that this attempt was not only 'seditious,' but also against the interests of devotees.

Easwar was earlier arrested from Sabarimala Sannidhanam (temple complex) on October 17 over the 'save Sabarimala campaign, and later released on bail.

The temple had witnessed high drama with around a dozen women in 10-50 age group being prevented from entering the temple by protesting devotees after the doors were opened for all women, following the Supreme Court verdict.

On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench of the Apex Court, headed by then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, had lifted the centuries-old ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai Sunday lashed out at the police action against Easwar.

"BJP condemns the police action on Rahul Easwar and also those associated wit the protests over the Sabarimala issue," he told reporters.

Police Sunday took into custody Rahul Easwar, president of the 'Ayyappa Dharma Sena', for his alleged provocative statement related to the entry of women into the Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala.

Police Sunday took into custody Rahul Easwar, president of the 'Ayyappa Dharma Sena', for his alleged provocative statement related to the entry of women into the Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala. A team of police personnel from Kochi took Easwar into custody from his flat in Thiruvananthapuram in connection with a case registered under IPC Sections 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) and 117 (abetting commission of offence by the public or by more than 10 persons), police said. The arrest will be recorded in the evening after they reach Kochi, police sources said. A member of the Thazhamon family of Sabarimala tantris (head priests), Easwar had said during a press meet in Kochi last week that they had a contingency plan to force the closure of the temple by spilling blood on its premises by some devotees in case any woman in the 'barred' age group managed to reach it. He had also claimed that 20 Lord Ayyappa devotees opposing the entry of women in the age group of 10 and 50 were ready to inflict knife injuries on themselves on the temple premises, which would have forced the priests to close the gates on account of impurity. "Had their blood fallen on the floor of the temple, that would have forced the priests to shut the shrine for three days for purification rituals," Easwar had said. A case was registered against him later on the basis of a complaint filed by a Thiruvananthapuram native. Kerala Devaswom Minister Kadakkampally Surendran had claimed that effective police intervention had foiled the protesters' bid to "desecrate" the Ayyappa Temple by spilling blood in the premises if women devotees in the 10-50 age group offered prayers. He had said the "conspiracy" of the devotees was made clear by the statement of Rahul Easwar. The Minister had also said the disclosure showed that there was a well-conceived plan, similar to that followed by nations to attack their enemies and added that this attempt was not only 'seditious,' but also against the interests of devotees. Easwar was earlier arrested from Sabarimala Sannidhanam (temple complex) on October 17 over the 'save Sabarimala campaign, and later released on bail. The temple had witnessed high drama with around a dozen women in 10-50 age group being prevented from entering the temple by protesting devotees after the doors were opened for all women, following the Supreme Court verdict. On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench of the Apex Court, headed by then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, had lifted the centuries-old ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine. BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai Sunday lashed out at the police action against Easwar. "BJP condemns the police action on Rahul Easwar and also those associated wit the protests over the Sabarimala issue," he told reporters.

Rahul Easwar taken into custody on controversial remarks over Sabarimala

Amid protests against the Supreme Court order opening the Sabarimala temple in Kerala to women of all ages, Union minister Smriti Irani Tuesday said the right to pray did not mean the right to desecrate.

On September 28, a five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court, headed by then chief justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

Women have been stopped by Ayyappa devotees from climbing up to the Sabarimala temple as protests against the Supreme Court order opening the hilltop shrine to women of all ages continued across Kerala.

"I am nobody to speak against the Supreme Court verdict as I am a serving cabinet minister. But just plain common sense is that would you carry a napkin seeped with menstrual blood and walk into a friend's house. You would not.

"And would you think it is respectful to do the same when you walk into the house of god That is the difference. I have the right to pray, but no right to desecrate. That is the difference that we need to recognise and respect," Irani said.

The Union textile minister was speaking at the "Young Thinkers" conference organised by the British High Commission and the Observer Research Foundation here.

"I am a practising Hindu married to a Zoroastrian. I have ensured that both my kids are practising Zoroastrians, who can go to the fire temple and pray," she said.

Irani recalled that when her children were inside the fire temple, she had to stand outside on the road or sit in the car.

"When I took my newborn son (to the fire temple), I would give him at the (temple) entrance to my husband and wait outside, because I was shooed away and told not to stand there," she said.&nbsp;

Amid protests against the Supreme Court order opening the Sabarimala temple in Kerala to women of all ages, Union minister Smriti Irani Tuesday said the right to pray did not mean the right to desecrate.

Amid protests against the Supreme Court order opening the Sabarimala temple in Kerala to women of all ages, Union minister Smriti Irani Tuesday said the right to pray did not mean the right to desecrate. On September 28, a five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court, headed by then chief justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine. Women have been stopped by Ayyappa devotees from climbing up to the Sabarimala temple as protests against the Supreme Court order opening the hilltop shrine to women of all ages continued across Kerala. "I am nobody to speak against the Supreme Court verdict as I am a serving cabinet minister. But just plain common sense is that would you carry a napkin seeped with menstrual blood and walk into a friend's house. You would not. "And would you think it is respectful to do the same when you walk into the house of god That is the difference. I have the right to pray, but no right to desecrate. That is the difference that we need to recognise and respect," Irani said. The Union textile minister was speaking at the "Young Thinkers" conference organised by the British High Commission and the Observer Research Foundation here. "I am a practising Hindu married to a Zoroastrian. I have ensured that both my kids are practising Zoroastrians, who can go to the fire temple and pray," she said. Irani recalled that when her children were inside the fire temple, she had to stand outside on the road or sit in the car. "When I took my newborn son (to the fire temple), I would give him at the (temple) entrance to my husband and wait outside, because I was shooed away and told not to stand there," she said.

Right to pray, but no right to desecrate: Smriti Irani on Sabarimala

Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan Saturday said the Kerala government was trying to pass the buck on the Sabarimala temple issue to the Travancore Devaswom Board that manages the shrine, instead of taking responsibility.

"There is no place in Sabarimala for social activists or social enthusiasts. Activists are trying to destroy the unity among the communities and destroy faith in religion," he told reporters here.

He said the government instead of remaining silent on the Lord Ayyappa temple issue should take responsibility.

The minister also accused the Kerala government of being vindictive to people who participated in the protests on the Sabarimala issue.

On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, headed by the then chief justice Dipak Misra, lifted the centuries-old ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

He termed the ongoing war of words between the ruling AIADMK and the opposition DMK in Tamil Nadu as nothing but "streetquarrel."

Earlier, he participated in the "Healthy Food Habits" awareness campaign here.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan Saturday said the Kerala government was trying to pass the buck on the Sabarimala temple issue to the Travancore Devaswom Board that manages the shrine, instead of taking responsibility.

Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan Saturday said the Kerala government was trying to pass the buck on the Sabarimala temple issue to the Travancore Devaswom Board that manages the shrine, instead of taking responsibility. "There is no place in Sabarimala for social activists or social enthusiasts. Activists are trying to destroy the unity among the communities and destroy faith in religion," he told reporters here. He said the government instead of remaining silent on the Lord Ayyappa temple issue should take responsibility. The minister also accused the Kerala government of being vindictive to people who participated in the protests on the Sabarimala issue. On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, headed by the then chief justice Dipak Misra, lifted the centuries-old ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine. He termed the ongoing war of words between the ruling AIADMK and the opposition DMK in Tamil Nadu as nothing but "streetquarrel." Earlier, he participated in the "Healthy Food Habits" awareness campaign here.

Kerala government trying to pass the buck on Sabarimala issue: Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan

A 52-year-old woman from Tamil Nadu was allowed to enter&nbsp;the Sabarimala temple on Saturday after facing initial protests, news reports said.

Latha who was accompanied by her husband and son to the temple was initially restricted from entering the premises as the protesters presumed her to be below 50 years.

She was stopped just as she was about to climb the hallowed 18 steps leading to the temple.&nbsp;

52-year-old Latha&nbsp;was later allowed to enter the temple after the intervention of state BJP leader K. Surendran and others.

No woman has been allowed an entry into the temple till now despite the apex court's September 28 decision which puts a ban on the centuries-old practice that barred women of menstrual age (10-50 years) from entering the hill temple

High drama unfolded at the Sabarimala temple today after a&nbsp;38-year-old woman, Manju, arrived at the sanctum to&nbsp;start trekking the&nbsp;last 5-km to the shrine.

She, however,&nbsp;later cancelled her plans due to rains and has decided to begin her trek tomorrow.

Manju&nbsp;who is the President of the Kerala Dalit Mahila Federation had requested the senior police officials to facilitate her pilgrimage to the temple in the light of the Supreme Court&nbsp;verdict.

Despite the police officials cautioning, the woman did not retreat and was firm on undertaking the trek.

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A 52-year-old woman from Tamil Nadu was allowed to enter the Sabarimala temple on Saturday after facing initial protests, news reports said. Latha who was accompanied by her husband and son to the temple was initially restricted from entering the premises as the protesters presumed her to be below 50 years.

A 52-year-old woman from Tamil Nadu was allowed to enter the Sabarimala temple on Saturday after facing initial protests, news reports said. Latha who was accompanied by her husband and son to the temple was initially restricted from entering the premises as the protesters presumed her to be below 50 years. She was stopped just as she was about to climb the hallowed 18 steps leading to the temple. 52-year-old Latha was later allowed to enter the temple after the intervention of state BJP leader K. Surendran and others. No woman has been allowed an entry into the temple till now despite the apex court's September 28 decision which puts a ban on the centuries-old practice that barred women of menstrual age (10-50 years) from entering the hill temple High drama unfolded at the Sabarimala temple today after a 38-year-old woman, Manju, arrived at the sanctum to start trekking the last 5-km to the shrine. She, however, later cancelled her plans due to rains and has decided to begin her trek tomorrow. Manju who is the President of the Kerala Dalit Mahila Federation had requested the senior police officials to facilitate her pilgrimage to the temple in the light of the Supreme Court verdict. Despite the police officials cautioning, the woman did not retreat and was firm on undertaking the trek.

52 year old woman allowed inside Sabarimala temple after initial protests

A day after protests and violence against the entry of women of menstruating age at the Sabarimala temple was witnessed, devotees visiting the shrine reiterated that the sanctity of the temple and Lord Ayyappa "must be preserved at any cost".

One of the male devotees told ANI, "Lord Ayyappa is a `Nithya Brahmachari`, this must be preserved at any cost. Sanctity of the temple should be preserved.

"Meanwhile, another devotee, Ganesh Kumar, said that while coming to the temple, villagers thoroughly checked vehicles for women of 10-50 age group.

"I took Kambamedu route to Sabarimala Temple, locals at every village were checking vehicles for women. Police didn`t intervene as locals checked the vehicles," he said.Calling the attack on women journalists near the holy shrine "unfortunate", Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Kerala president PS Sreedharan Pillai has accused the Communist Party of India (Marxist) of orchestrating the violence.

"That is unfortunate; it was part of the plan designed by the CPI (M) people. They did this. 300 police personnel, who had not completed their training, were taken there and this scene was created," he said.

Places around the temple such as Pamba, Nilakkal, Sannidhanam, and Elavungal have witnessed the majority of the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/women-stopped-from-entering-keralas-sabarimala-temple-for-second-day-in-a-row-172129"> violent protests </a>since the doors of the shrine reopened on Wednesday.

Protestors allegedly vandalised a bus carrying journalists and other passengers at Laka near the Nilakkal base camp. The police were forced to lathi-charge the protestors as they resorted to stone pelting.

Elderly women were seen entering the Lord Ayyappa temple on Wednesday evening, but women between 10 to 50 years of age refrained from visiting the shrine for the sake of their own safety.

Owing to the protests and violence, Section 144 (prohibiting assembly of more than four people) has been imposed in Pamba, Nilakkal, and Elavungal.&nbsp;

A day after protests and violence against the entry of women of menstruating age at the Sabarimala temple was witnessed, devotees visiting the shrine reiterated that the sanctity of the temple and Lord Ayyappa "must be preserved at any cost".

A day after protests and violence against the entry of women of menstruating age at the Sabarimala temple was witnessed, devotees visiting the shrine reiterated that the sanctity of the temple and Lord Ayyappa "must be preserved at any cost". One of the male devotees told ANI, "Lord Ayyappa is a `Nithya Brahmachari`, this must be preserved at any cost. Sanctity of the temple should be preserved. "Meanwhile, another devotee, Ganesh Kumar, said that while coming to the temple, villagers thoroughly checked vehicles for women of 10-50 age group. "I took Kambamedu route to Sabarimala Temple, locals at every village were checking vehicles for women. Police didn`t intervene as locals checked the vehicles," he said.Calling the attack on women journalists near the holy shrine "unfortunate", Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Kerala president PS Sreedharan Pillai has accused the Communist Party of India (Marxist) of orchestrating the violence. "That is unfortunate; it was part of the plan designed by the CPI (M) people. They did this. 300 police personnel, who had not completed their training, were taken there and this scene was created," he said. Places around the temple such as Pamba, Nilakkal, Sannidhanam, and Elavungal have witnessed the majority of the violent protests since the doors of the shrine reopened on Wednesday. Protestors allegedly vandalised a bus carrying journalists and other passengers at Laka near the Nilakkal base camp. The police were forced to lathi-charge the protestors as they resorted to stone pelting. Elderly women were seen entering the Lord Ayyappa temple on Wednesday evening, but women between 10 to 50 years of age refrained from visiting the shrine for the sake of their own safety. Owing to the protests and violence, Section 144 (prohibiting assembly of more than four people) has been imposed in Pamba, Nilakkal, and Elavungal.

Sanctity of Sabarimala temple should be preserved: Devotees

Travancore Devaswom Board on Friday announced its decision to move against the Supreme Court's verdict on Sabarimala. "We have decided to appeal against the Supreme Court verdict that allowed women of all age groups to enter Sabarimala Temple," A Padmakumar, President of Travancore Devaswom Board told media on Friday.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Central Friday issued an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-row-centre-asks-kerala-tamil-nadu-karnataka-govts-to-tighten-security-monitor-adverse-online-messages-172332">advisory to the south Indian states</a> of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the wake of the ongoing protests against the Supreme Court's Sabarimala verdict.&nbsp;

The government asked the three states to tighten security and monitor any "adverse" online messages or social media content on the row.&nbsp;

"All necessary precautionary measures may be taken to maintain law and order and appropriate security arrangements may be made to prevent any untoward incident," the advisory, sent by the internal security division of the home ministry, said.

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We have decided to appeal against the Supreme Court verdict that allowed women of all age groups to enter <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a>: A Padmakumar, President, Travancore Devaswom Board <a href="https://t.co/BieAIwyqd5">pic.twitter.com/BieAIwyqd5</a>
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Also, the Congress in Kerala alleged that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was responsible for the present tense situation at Lord Ayappa temple in Sabarimala.

Attacking Vijayan, who is in UAE, Kerala PCC president Mullapally Ramachandran said, "Vijayan is like the Roman emperor Nero who fiddled while Rome burned."

"The chief minister is holidaying in the Gulf along with his family... He has failed to perform like a vigilant administrator," he said.

Ramachandran asked the state government to find a solution to the crisis in Sabarimala or else there would be "a disaster."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Travancore Devaswom Board on Friday announced its decision to move against the Supreme Court's verdict on Sabarimala. "We have decided to appeal against the Supreme Court verdict that allowed women of all age groups to enter Sabarimala Temple," A Padmakumar, President of Travancore Devaswom Board told media on Friday.

Travancore Devaswom Board on Friday announced its decision to move against the Supreme Court's verdict on Sabarimala. "We have decided to appeal against the Supreme Court verdict that allowed women of all age groups to enter Sabarimala Temple," A Padmakumar, President of Travancore Devaswom Board told media on Friday. Meanwhile, the Central Friday issued an advisory to the south Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the wake of the ongoing protests against the Supreme Court's Sabarimala verdict. The government asked the three states to tighten security and monitor any "adverse" online messages or social media content on the row. "All necessary precautionary measures may be taken to maintain law and order and appropriate security arrangements may be made to prevent any untoward incident," the advisory, sent by the internal security division of the home ministry, said. We have decided to appeal against the Supreme Court verdict that allowed women of all age groups to enter #SabarimalaTemple: A Padmakumar, President, Travancore Devaswom Board pic.twitter.com/BieAIwyqd5 — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 × Also, the Congress in Kerala alleged that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was responsible for the present tense situation at Lord Ayappa temple in Sabarimala. Attacking Vijayan, who is in UAE, Kerala PCC president Mullapally Ramachandran said, "Vijayan is like the Roman emperor Nero who fiddled while Rome burned." "The chief minister is holidaying in the Gulf along with his family... He has failed to perform like a vigilant administrator," he said. Ramachandran asked the state government to find a solution to the crisis in Sabarimala or else there would be "a disaster." (With inputs from agencies)

Travancore Devaswom Board to challenge Supreme Court's Sabarimala verdict

The Central government on Friday issued an advisory to the south Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the wake of the ongoing protests against the Supreme Court's Sabarimala verdict.&nbsp;

The Centre has called for tightened&nbsp;security in the three states and has asked the state governments to closely monitor the spread of any "adverse" messages through social media and the Internet services, news agency PTI reported.

"All necessary precautionary measures may be taken to maintain law and order and appropriate security arrangements may be made to prevent any untoward incident," the advisory, sent by the internal security division of the home ministry, said.

In the meanwhile, opposing groups and activists have threatened that they would not allow entry of women inside the shrine. Hindu outfits plan to organise protest programmes against apex court order.

"Separately, Ayyappa devotees, Hindu outfits and certain caste-based outfits have been organising state-wide protest against the Supreme Court order. Participation in these protests has ranged from 50-3000, including participation of sizeable number of women," the advisory noted.&nbsp;

"Hindu outfits have also organised a few protest programme in neighbouring states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka," it further read.

The shrine of Lord Ayyappa, located on the mountain range of the Western Ghats, opened for the first time on Wednesday after the Supreme Court verdict allowed women of all ages to enter the temple. The temple will close on October 22.

Scores of protesters, including women, have been up in arms since the verdict was pronounced. Traditionally, women of menstruating age were barred from entering the temple.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Central government on Friday issued an advisory to the south Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the wake of the ongoing protests against the Supreme Court's Sabarimala verdict.

The Central government on Friday issued an advisory to the south Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the wake of the ongoing protests against the Supreme Court's Sabarimala verdict. The Centre has called for tightened security in the three states and has asked the state governments to closely monitor the spread of any "adverse" messages through social media and the Internet services, news agency PTI reported. "All necessary precautionary measures may be taken to maintain law and order and appropriate security arrangements may be made to prevent any untoward incident," the advisory, sent by the internal security division of the home ministry, said. In the meanwhile, opposing groups and activists have threatened that they would not allow entry of women inside the shrine. Hindu outfits plan to organise protest programmes against apex court order. "Separately, Ayyappa devotees, Hindu outfits and certain caste-based outfits have been organising state-wide protest against the Supreme Court order. Participation in these protests has ranged from 50-3000, including participation of sizeable number of women," the advisory noted. "Hindu outfits have also organised a few protest programme in neighbouring states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka," it further read. The shrine of Lord Ayyappa, located on the mountain range of the Western Ghats, opened for the first time on Wednesday after the Supreme Court verdict allowed women of all ages to enter the temple. The temple will close on October 22. Scores of protesters, including women, have been up in arms since the verdict was pronounced. Traditionally, women of menstruating age were barred from entering the temple. (With inputs from agencies)

Sabarimala row: Centre asks Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka govts to tighten security, monitor social media

The two women who tried to enter the Sabarimala temple decided not to carry on their journey with protesters stopping them on the way even as heavy security was deployed in the temple area.

Kerala Inspector General said: "We have told the female devotees about the situation, they will now be going back. So we are pulling pack. They have decided to return."

The women were reportedly 500 meters from the golden steps to the temple.

Preist Kandararu Rajeevaru said: "We have decided to lock the temple and handover the keys and leave. I stand with the devotees."&nbsp;

"I do not have any other option," the priest added.

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Pathanamthitta: Journalist Kavitha Jakkal of Hyderabad based Mojo TV and woman activist Rehana Fatima move to the office where the two have been called by Inspector General S Sreejith. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> <a href="https://t.co/F4xFZieWOI">pic.twitter.com/F4xFZieWOI</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1053144563622260736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A Hyderabad-based woman journalist named&nbsp;Kavitha Jakkal and a woman activist&nbsp;Rehana Fatima had begun their walk&nbsp;towards Sabarimala temple on Friday morning while the&nbsp;woman journalist reportedly said&nbsp;that she was going to Sabarimala Sannidhanam to carry out her "professional duty".

Police had thrown a security ring around the two women who had requested security to go to Sabarimala Sannidhanam, reported news agency ANI.

Protesters&nbsp;surrounded the temple as the two women made their way towards the temple. The women&nbsp;would have become the first from the menstruating age group&nbsp;to visit the Sabarimala temple of Lord Ayyappa after the Supreme Court order permitted women of all age groups to enter the shrine.&nbsp;

The journalist accompanied by her male colleague, a foreigner, had descended the hills from Marakkoottam area in the face of mounting protests.

A case has been registered against devotees who allegedly prevented her trekking and forced her to climb down the hills.

A New Delhi-based woman journalist was stopped midway by devotees opposing the entry of women of menstrual age into the hill shrine on Thursday.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a>: Journalist Kavitha Jakkal of Hyderabad based Mojo TV and woman activist Rehana Fatima are en-route to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a>. <a href="https://t.co/IADqXgEJZJ">pic.twitter.com/IADqXgEJZJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1053127492037427201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a>: Journalist Kavitha Jakkal of Hyderabad based Mojo TV, being escorted by police from Pamba to Sannidhanam. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> <a href="https://t.co/6lwDGStDTw">pic.twitter.com/6lwDGStDTw</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1053120470193717248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The two women who tried to enter the Sabarimala temple decided not to carry on their journey with protesters stopping them on the way even as heavy security was deployed in the temple area.

The two women who tried to enter the Sabarimala temple decided not to carry on their journey with protesters stopping them on the way even as heavy security was deployed in the temple area. Kerala Inspector General said: "We have told the female devotees about the situation, they will now be going back. So we are pulling pack. They have decided to return." The women were reportedly 500 meters from the golden steps to the temple. Preist Kandararu Rajeevaru said: "We have decided to lock the temple and handover the keys and leave. I stand with the devotees." "I do not have any other option," the priest added. Pathanamthitta: Journalist Kavitha Jakkal of Hyderabad based Mojo TV and woman activist Rehana Fatima move to the office where the two have been called by Inspector General S Sreejith. #SabarimalaTemple pic.twitter.com/F4xFZieWOI — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 × A Hyderabad-based woman journalist named Kavitha Jakkal and a woman activist Rehana Fatima had begun their walk towards Sabarimala temple on Friday morning while the woman journalist reportedly said that she was going to Sabarimala Sannidhanam to carry out her "professional duty". Police had thrown a security ring around the two women who had requested security to go to Sabarimala Sannidhanam, reported news agency ANI. Protesters surrounded the temple as the two women made their way towards the temple. The women would have become the first from the menstruating age group to visit the Sabarimala temple of Lord Ayyappa after the Supreme Court order permitted women of all age groups to enter the shrine. The journalist accompanied by her male colleague, a foreigner, had descended the hills from Marakkoottam area in the face of mounting protests. A case has been registered against devotees who allegedly prevented her trekking and forced her to climb down the hills. A New Delhi-based woman journalist was stopped midway by devotees opposing the entry of women of menstrual age into the hill shrine on Thursday. #Kerala: Journalist Kavitha Jakkal of Hyderabad based Mojo TV and woman activist Rehana Fatima are en-route to the #SabarimalaTemple. pic.twitter.com/IADqXgEJZJ — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 × #Kerala: Journalist Kavitha Jakkal of Hyderabad based Mojo TV, being escorted by police from Pamba to Sannidhanam. #SabarimalaTemple pic.twitter.com/6lwDGStDTw — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 × ×

Both women decide not to enter Sabrimala temple amid protests; priest decides to shut premises and leave

WION Gravitas: Police presence beefed up around Sabarimala Temple

Kerala's Sabarimala temple opened its gates on Wednesday at 5 pm. Devotees will be allowed to offer prayers till 10.30 pm tonight.

There have however been days of protests against the recent Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all ages to enter the temple. Women between the ages of 10 and 50 were earlier not allowed to enter the temple (because they might have been menstruating).&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the wake of the recent protest that erupted in the temple premises earlier during the day, the authorities have imposed Section 144 in Pamba, Nilakkal, Sannidhanam Elavungal.&nbsp;

The Kerala police personnel also vandalised vehicles parked in Pampa. Incidents of violence had broken out today in parts of the state over the entry of women of all age groups in the temple.

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Kerala: Section 144 (prohibits assembly of more than 4 people in an area) has been imposed in Pampa, Nilakkal, Sannidhanam and Elavungal. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> <a href="https://t.co/T6hkklywoT">pic.twitter.com/T6hkklywoT</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1052547803614973953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Several journalists covering the Sabarimala protests were on Wednesday attacked by mobs at Nikakkal base camp, the main gateway to the Sabarimala shrine.&nbsp;

Protesters were caught on camera hounding TV reporters at the spot. One TV reporter's car was attacked,&nbsp;with the protesters trying to pull her out of her car. Her car window was broken, and the protester also tried to vandalise&nbsp;her crew's camera equipment.&nbsp;

The National Commission for Women has taken cognizance of the attack on her and other journalists. A meeting is underway at the NCW office to decide on further steps to be taken.&nbsp;

Kerala Minister KK Shailaja said that the attack by the protesters was intentional and that they were playing dirty politics. She added that she can't say if the protesters were actual devotee. She added that the Supreme Court's order is constitutional and the government is bound to implement it.&nbsp;

Around 30 people were arrested in Kerala's Pamba in the protest in Sabarimala temple&nbsp;carried out against the women in the age group of 10-50 years.

Out of the 30, nine were&nbsp;arrested on Tuesday while 21 were arrested today.

The police also arrested&nbsp;Activist Rahul Easwar from Nilakkal base camp and a non-bailable FIR was registered against him. Easwar is kept at Pamba police station

Blaming the LDF government for the protest in Pamba, BJP member MS Kumar has said that no member from his party was involved in the incident.

He said, "LDF government is fully responsible for any law and order situation in state. It's a very unfortunate situation, we aren't responsible. No BJP worker is involved, we're condemning that attempt".

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said, "Congress is not attacking anybody and definitely attack on journalists is not tolerable. Those who are protesting there, are BJP and RSS people. Nowhere Congress people are engaged in this kind of hooliganism or vandalism".

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Kerala: ANI reporter Ayushmaan Kumar was attacked by protesters at Nilakkal base camp when he was taking the pictures of women checking the buses for women devotees. Police was also present at the spot when the attack took place. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1052517246545928192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: India Today journalist Mausami Singh and its crew in a police vehicle. They were attacked by the protesters at Nilakkal base camp. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> <a href="https://t.co/R7rsSBK8fx">pic.twitter.com/R7rsSBK8fx</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1052510680455290883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Police lathi-charge and pelt stones at the protesters gathered at Nilakkal base camp, in Kerala. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> <a href="https://t.co/DMC1ePz0l2">pic.twitter.com/DMC1ePz0l2</a>
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Earlier during the day an&nbsp;attempt by a 45-year-old woman from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh to enter Sabarimala Temple failed as protesters prevented her from proceeding to the hill shrine at Pamba.

The apex court had on September 28 passed a historic judgement lifting the ban on entry of girls and women of menstrual age into the temple, a verdict that was hailed by rights activists but opposed by traditionalists.

Kerala's Sabarimala temple opened its gates on Wednesday at 5 pm. Devotees will be allowed to offer prayers till 10.30 pm tonight. There have however been days of protests against the recent Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all ages to enter the temple.

Kerala's Sabarimala temple opened its gates on Wednesday at 5 pm. Devotees will be allowed to offer prayers till 10.30 pm tonight. There have however been days of protests against the recent Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all ages to enter the temple. Women between the ages of 10 and 50 were earlier not allowed to enter the temple (because they might have been menstruating). In the wake of the recent protest that erupted in the temple premises earlier during the day, the authorities have imposed Section 144 in Pamba, Nilakkal, Sannidhanam Elavungal. The Kerala police personnel also vandalised vehicles parked in Pampa. Incidents of violence had broken out today in parts of the state over the entry of women of all age groups in the temple. Kerala: Section 144 (prohibits assembly of more than 4 people in an area) has been imposed in Pampa, Nilakkal, Sannidhanam and Elavungal. #SabarimalaTemple pic.twitter.com/T6hkklywoT — ANI (@ANI) October 17, 2018 × Several journalists covering the Sabarimala protests were on Wednesday attacked by mobs at Nikakkal base camp, the main gateway to the Sabarimala shrine. Protesters were caught on camera hounding TV reporters at the spot. One TV reporter's car was attacked, with the protesters trying to pull her out of her car. Her car window was broken, and the protester also tried to vandalise her crew's camera equipment. The National Commission for Women has taken cognizance of the attack on her and other journalists. A meeting is underway at the NCW office to decide on further steps to be taken. Kerala Minister KK Shailaja said that the attack by the protesters was intentional and that they were playing dirty politics. She added that she can't say if the protesters were actual devotee. She added that the Supreme Court's order is constitutional and the government is bound to implement it. Around 30 people were arrested in Kerala's Pamba in the protest in Sabarimala temple carried out against the women in the age group of 10-50 years. Out of the 30, nine were arrested on Tuesday while 21 were arrested today. The police also arrested Activist Rahul Easwar from Nilakkal base camp and a non-bailable FIR was registered against him. Easwar is kept at Pamba police station Blaming the LDF government for the protest in Pamba, BJP member MS Kumar has said that no member from his party was involved in the incident. He said, "LDF government is fully responsible for any law and order situation in state. It's a very unfortunate situation, we aren't responsible. No BJP worker is involved, we're condemning that attempt". Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said, "Congress is not attacking anybody and definitely attack on journalists is not tolerable. Those who are protesting there, are BJP and RSS people. Nowhere Congress people are engaged in this kind of hooliganism or vandalism". Kerala: ANI reporter Ayushmaan Kumar was attacked by protesters at Nilakkal base camp when he was taking the pictures of women checking the buses for women devotees. Police was also present at the spot when the attack took place. #SabarimalaTemple — ANI (@ANI) October 17, 2018 × #WATCH: India Today journalist Mausami Singh and its crew in a police vehicle. They were attacked by the protesters at Nilakkal base camp. #SabarimalaTemple #Kerala pic.twitter.com/R7rsSBK8fx — ANI (@ANI) October 17, 2018 × #WATCH: Police lathi-charge and pelt stones at the protesters gathered at Nilakkal base camp, in Kerala. #SabarimalaTemple pic.twitter.com/DMC1ePz0l2 — ANI (@ANI) October 17, 2018 × Earlier during the day an attempt by a 45-year-old woman from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh to enter Sabarimala Temple failed as protesters prevented her from proceeding to the hill shrine at Pamba. The apex court had on September 28 passed a historic judgement lifting the ban on entry of girls and women of menstrual age into the temple, a verdict that was hailed by rights activists but opposed by traditionalists.

After days of protests, gates of Kerala's Sabarimala temple open

Sabrimala Temple Row: Protesters ask women to go back

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/perfect-storm-of-hunger-climate-change-conflict-coming-warns-un-171765">'Perfect storm' of hunger, climate change &amp; conflict coming, warns UN</a>

A potent combination of hunger, climate change and man-made conflicts are creating a "perfect storm", the head of the UN's food arm warned Tuesday in a call to action on World Food Day.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-tells-saudis-us-is-concerned-about-missing-journalist-khashoggi-171772">Saudis agree to 'thorough' probe needed into journalist's disappearance, says </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-tells-saudis-us-is-concerned-about-missing-journalist-khashoggi-171772">US</a>

The US on Tuesday said that Saudis have agreed to 'thorough' probe needed into journalist's disappearance.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-cm-warns-protestors-ahead-of-sabarimala-temple-reopening-171747">Won't allow anyone to take </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-cm-warns-protestors-ahead-of-sabarimala-temple-reopening-171747">law</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-cm-warns-protestors-ahead-of-sabarimala-temple-reopening-171747"> into own hands: Kerala CM warns protesters ahead of Sabarimala opening tomorrow</a>

Sending a stern message to the people protesting against the Supreme Court's ruling on Sabarimala temple, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that his government would not allow anyone to take the law and order into their hands.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/denmark-open-pv-sindhu-makes-shocking-first-round-exit-171743">Denmark Open: PV Sindhu makes shock exit in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/denmark-open-pv-sindhu-makes-shocking-first-round-exit-171743">first</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/denmark-open-pv-sindhu-makes-shocking-first-round-exit-171743"> round</a>

Star Indian shuttler PV Sindhu crashed out of the Denmark Open with a stunning opening-round loss to American Beiwen Zhang in the women's singles event, here on Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/allahabad-is-now-prayagraj-yogi-adityanath-cabinet-clears-renaming-proposal-171742">Allahabad is now Prayagraj: Yogi cabinet clears proposal to rename </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/allahabad-is-now-prayagraj-yogi-adityanath-cabinet-clears-renaming-proposal-171742">city</a>

The Uttar Pradesh cabinet Tuesday approved a proposal to rename Allahabad as Prayagraj.

'Perfect storm' of hunger, climate change & conflict coming, warns UN A potent combination of hunger, climate change and man-made conflicts are creating a "perfect storm", the head of the UN's food arm warned Tuesday in a call to action on World Food Day.

'Perfect storm' of hunger, climate change & conflict coming, warns UN A potent combination of hunger, climate change and man-made conflicts are creating a "perfect storm", the head of the UN's food arm warned Tuesday in a call to action on World Food Day. Saudis agree to 'thorough' probe needed into journalist's disappearance, says US The US on Tuesday said that Saudis have agreed to 'thorough' probe needed into journalist's disappearance. Won't allow anyone to take law into own hands: Kerala CM warns protesters ahead of Sabarimala opening tomorrow Sending a stern message to the people protesting against the Supreme Court's ruling on Sabarimala temple, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that his government would not allow anyone to take the law and order into their hands. Denmark Open: PV Sindhu makes shock exit in first round Star Indian shuttler PV Sindhu crashed out of the Denmark Open with a stunning opening-round loss to American Beiwen Zhang in the women's singles event, here on Tuesday. Allahabad is now Prayagraj: Yogi cabinet clears proposal to rename city The Uttar Pradesh cabinet Tuesday approved a proposal to rename Allahabad as Prayagraj.

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