Afghan women activists asserted on Sunday that the Taliban remained illegitimate rulers in spite of endorsement of their hardline rule by thousands of male clerics. These clerics pledged allegiance to the Taliban rule on Saturday following &nbsp;three-day meeting. This meeting failed tio address thorny issue such as right of teenage girls to go to school. Taliban seized power in August last year. The group has sought to present the meeting as vote of confidence.

They insisted last week that women would be represented at the meeting -- attended by over 3,500 men -- but only by their sons and husbands.

"Statements released or pledging allegiance to the Taliban in any gathering or event without the presence of half of the nation's population, the women, are not acceptable," Hoda Khamosh, a rights activist currently in exile in Norway, told AFP.

"This summit... does not have legitimacy, validity, or the approval of the people."

Since seizing power in August last year, the Taliban have imposed a religious regime guided by harsh interpretation of sharia law. This has led to many restrictions on Afghans. Women have been instructed to cover-up from head to toe. Men have been asked to dress in traditional wear and grow beards.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talibans-reclusive-leader-akhundzada-warns-foreigners-not-to-interfere-calls-sharia-law-supreme-494006">Taliban’s reclusive leader Akhundzada warns foreigners not to interfere, calls Sharia law supreme</a>

The Taliban have also outlawed playing non-religious music, ordered TV channels to stop showing movies and soaps featuring uncovered women.

In Kabul, a collective of women's groups also slammed the clerics' meeting as not representative.

"The ulema (clerics) are just one part of society, they are not the whole," organiser Ainoor Uzbik told AFP after a press conference.

"The decisions they made serve only their own interests and are not in the interest of the country and its people. There was nothing for women on the agenda, nor in the communique."

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Afghan women activists asserted on Sunday that the Taliban remained illegitimate rulers in spite of endorsement of their hardline rule by thousands of male clerics.

Afghan women activists asserted on Sunday that the Taliban remained illegitimate rulers in spite of endorsement of their hardline rule by thousands of male clerics. These clerics pledged allegiance to the Taliban rule on Saturday following three-day meeting. This meeting failed tio address thorny issue such as right of teenage girls to go to school. Taliban seized power in August last year. The group has sought to present the meeting as vote of confidence. They insisted last week that women would be represented at the meeting -- attended by over 3,500 men -- but only by their sons and husbands. "Statements released or pledging allegiance to the Taliban in any gathering or event without the presence of half of the nation's population, the women, are not acceptable," Hoda Khamosh, a rights activist currently in exile in Norway, told AFP. "This summit... does not have legitimacy, validity, or the approval of the people." Since seizing power in August last year, the Taliban have imposed a religious regime guided by harsh interpretation of sharia law. This has led to many restrictions on Afghans. Women have been instructed to cover-up from head to toe. Men have been asked to dress in traditional wear and grow beards. Also Read | Taliban’s reclusive leader Akhundzada warns foreigners not to interfere, calls Sharia law supreme The Taliban have also outlawed playing non-religious music, ordered TV channels to stop showing movies and soaps featuring uncovered women. In Kabul, a collective of women's groups also slammed the clerics' meeting as not representative. "The ulema (clerics) are just one part of society, they are not the whole," organiser Ainoor Uzbik told AFP after a press conference. "The decisions they made serve only their own interests and are not in the interest of the country and its people. There was nothing for women on the agenda, nor in the communique." (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Afghan women activists denounce 'illegitimate' Taliban rule

Hundreds of women's rights activists took to the streets of Nepal, to protest against the sharp rise in crime against women in recent years. Inequality and discrimination women face. Protesters chanted and raise slogans for the scrapping of a proposed law that would restrict travel for many women.

Women in Nepal demand to scrap a law limiting their travel

Police in Kyrgyzstan detained dozens of women's rights activists on Sunday shortly after journalists witnessed the protesters being attacked by masked men.

The activists gathered in one of the squares of capital Bishkek in the Central Asian country, to stage a march of solidarity against violence on International Women's Day.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-migrant-crisis-tense-situation-on-the-greek-turkish-border-285032">Greece migrant crisis: Tense situation on the Greek-Turkish border</a>

But masked men, some of whom wore traditional Kyrgyz white felt hats, attacked the protesters, grabbing and tearing apart their banners, in the presence of multiple journalists including a Reuters reporter.

The attackers left as soon as police arrived on the scene and proceeded to detain about 50 activists, mostly women.

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It was unclear what charges they could face. The Bishkek police department could not be immediately reached for comment.

Citing multiple cases of forced marriage and domestic violence, activists say women's rights are deteriorating in the former Soviet republic of 6 million amid a resurgence of right-wing ideology.

Last December, an art exhibition in Kyrgyzstan that featured a woman undressing in front of an audience was censored by the government, and the head of the gallery resigned after receiving death threats.

Police in Kyrgyzstan detained dozens of women's rights activists on Sunday shortly after journalists witnessed the protesters being attacked by masked men. The activists gathered in one of the squares of capital Bishkek in the Central Asian country, to stage a march of solidarity against violence on International Women's Day.

Police in Kyrgyzstan detained dozens of women's rights activists on Sunday shortly after journalists witnessed the protesters being attacked by masked men. The activists gathered in one of the squares of capital Bishkek in the Central Asian country, to stage a march of solidarity against violence on International Women's Day. Also read: Greece migrant crisis: Tense situation on the Greek-Turkish border But masked men, some of whom wore traditional Kyrgyz white felt hats, attacked the protesters, grabbing and tearing apart their banners, in the presence of multiple journalists including a Reuters reporter. The attackers left as soon as police arrived on the scene and proceeded to detain about 50 activists, mostly women. Watch: × It was unclear what charges they could face. The Bishkek police department could not be immediately reached for comment. Citing multiple cases of forced marriage and domestic violence, activists say women's rights are deteriorating in the former Soviet republic of 6 million amid a resurgence of right-wing ideology. Last December, an art exhibition in Kyrgyzstan that featured a woman undressing in front of an audience was censored by the government, and the head of the gallery resigned after receiving death threats.

Women's rights activists attacked then detained in Kyrgyzstan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-welcomes-24000-tourists-in-10-days-254557">Saudi Arabia</a> announced Wednesday it will allow women in the ultra-conservative kingdom to serve in the armed forces as it embarks on a broad programme of economic and social reforms.&nbsp;

The move is the latest in a series of measures aimed at increasing the rights of women in the kingdom, even as rights groups accuse Riyadh of cracking down on women activists. &nbsp;

"Another step to empowerment," the foreign ministry wrote on Twitter, adding that women would be able to serve as private first class, corporal or sergeant.&nbsp;

Last year, Saudi Arabia authorised women to join their security forces.&nbsp;

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, has approved a handful of reforms aimed at widening women's rights, including allowing them to drive and to travel abroad without consent from a male "guardian".

But he has at the same time overseen the arrest of several prominent women's rights campaigners, including activist Loujain al-Hathloul.

Saudi Arabia, the world's largest crude exporter, is pushing to improve its image and attract tourists as part of a plan to diversify its economy away from oil.

Saudi Arabia announced Wednesday it will allow women in the ultra-conservative kingdom to serve in the armed forces as it embarks on a broad programme of economic and social reforms.

Saudi Arabia announced Wednesday it will allow women in the ultra-conservative kingdom to serve in the armed forces as it embarks on a broad programme of economic and social reforms. The move is the latest in a series of measures aimed at increasing the rights of women in the kingdom, even as rights groups accuse Riyadh of cracking down on women activists. "Another step to empowerment," the foreign ministry wrote on Twitter, adding that women would be able to serve as private first class, corporal or sergeant. Last year, Saudi Arabia authorised women to join their security forces. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, has approved a handful of reforms aimed at widening women's rights, including allowing them to drive and to travel abroad without consent from a male "guardian". But he has at the same time overseen the arrest of several prominent women's rights campaigners, including activist Loujain al-Hathloul. Saudi Arabia, the world's largest crude exporter, is pushing to improve its image and attract tourists as part of a plan to diversify its economy away from oil.

Saudi Arabia to allow women to serve in armed forces

A Vietnamese court has jailed two activists on charges of publishing damaging anti-state propaganda about the communist-run country, state media reported Saturday, the latest convictions under a hardline leadership intolerant of dissent.

The women, Vu Thi Dung and Nguyen Thi Ngoc Suong, were sentenced Friday to six and five years respectively for posting videos and articles on Facebook against proposed special economic zones and beefed-up cybersecurity law, the People's Police newspaper reported.

The court, in the country's south, found them both guilty of "making, hoarding and spreading propaganda information, documents and materials against the socialist republic of Vietnam".

Both market vendors, the two women are the latest to face harsh blowback for publicly opposing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-removes-more-pages-tied-to-russian-operators-216645/amp">cybersecurity law,</a> which would require internet companies to hand over user data and remove content if requested by the government.

The proposed special economic zones are also deeply sensitive and sparked rare nationwide protests last year in which police stations and government offices were ransacked.

Independent media is banned in Vietnam, with online posts, comments and critics strictly monitored and bloggers, activists and rights lawyers routinely jailed.

The hardline leadership in charge since 2016 has been harsh on dissidents, with nearly 60 put behind bars last year according to an AFP tally.

A Vietnamese activist who also criticised both the special economic zones and the cybersecurity law was sentenced to two years in prison in March for "abusing democratic freedoms".

Critics say the draconian cyber law will be used to target online dissent, but it has yet to be implemented.

The draft bill on economic zones also sparked an uproar as many in Vietnam believed it would grant incentives to Chinese companies.

No mention of China was suggested in the legislation but officials put off passing the bill following the protests, which hit the capital Hanoi and the commercial hub Ho Chi Minh City.

Dozens of demonstrators have been jailed since taking part.

A Vietnamese court has jailed two activists on charges of publishing damaging anti-state propaganda about the communist-run country, state media reported Saturday, the latest convictions under a hardline leadership intolerant of dissent.

A Vietnamese court has jailed two activists on charges of publishing damaging anti-state propaganda about the communist-run country, state media reported Saturday, the latest convictions under a hardline leadership intolerant of dissent. The women, Vu Thi Dung and Nguyen Thi Ngoc Suong, were sentenced Friday to six and five years respectively for posting videos and articles on Facebook against proposed special economic zones and beefed-up cybersecurity law, the People's Police newspaper reported. The court, in the country's south, found them both guilty of "making, hoarding and spreading propaganda information, documents and materials against the socialist republic of Vietnam". Both market vendors, the two women are the latest to face harsh blowback for publicly opposing the cybersecurity law, which would require internet companies to hand over user data and remove content if requested by the government. The proposed special economic zones are also deeply sensitive and sparked rare nationwide protests last year in which police stations and government offices were ransacked. Independent media is banned in Vietnam, with online posts, comments and critics strictly monitored and bloggers, activists and rights lawyers routinely jailed. The hardline leadership in charge since 2016 has been harsh on dissidents, with nearly 60 put behind bars last year according to an AFP tally. A Vietnamese activist who also criticised both the special economic zones and the cybersecurity law was sentenced to two years in prison in March for "abusing democratic freedoms". Critics say the draconian cyber law will be used to target online dissent, but it has yet to be implemented. The draft bill on economic zones also sparked an uproar as many in Vietnam believed it would grant incentives to Chinese companies. No mention of China was suggested in the legislation but officials put off passing the bill following the protests, which hit the capital Hanoi and the commercial hub Ho Chi Minh City. Dozens of demonstrators have been jailed since taking part.

Vietnam jails two activists for 'spreading propaganda' on Facebook

Rights groups denounced Saudi Arabia Saturday over its decision to put jailed women activists on trial after holding them for nearly a year without charge.

The public prosecution said Friday that the activists had been referred to court, as its investigation is complete.

Some of those detained have allegedly faced torture and sexual harassment during interrogation, following their arrest in May last year in a sweeping crackdown on campaigners.

"The Saudi authorities have done nothing to investigate serious allegations of torture," said Michael Page, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch.

"Now, it's the women's rights activists, not any torturers, who face criminal charges and trials."

More than a dozen activists were arrested just a month before the historic lifting of a decades-long ban on women drivers.

Most were accused of undermining security and aiding enemies of the state. Some were later released.

Amnesty International called Friday's announcement a "shocking sign of the kingdom's escalating crackdown on activists" and demanded "the immediate release of prisoners of conscience."

Trials in the ultra-conservative kingdom are often shrouded in secrecy.

The prosecutor did not specify the charges nor give a date for their trial.

But the announcement sparked speculation that the activists could be released under the cover of a judicial process after the crackdown prompted scathing criticism against Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.&nbsp;

"There is a legal process moving forward and I think it will end well," Ali Shihabi, founder of pro-Saudi government think tank Arabia Foundation, said on Twitter.

"Let us see the end result and then judge, not jump to conclusions."&nbsp;

Those still detained include Aziza al-Yousef, a retired professor at Riyadh's King Saud University.

Another is Loujain al-Hathloul, who was held for more than 70 days in 2014 for attempting to drive from neighbouring United Arab Emirates to Saudi Arabia.

Following their arrest, state-backed newspapers published front-page pictures of some of the activists with the word "traitor" stamped across them in red.

Loujain was one of the activists who faced sexual harassment and torture during interrogation, her family and rights groups said.

The Saudi government has rejected the allegation.

Rights groups denounced Saudi Arabia Saturday over its decision to put jailed women activists on trial after holding them for nearly a year without charge. The public prosecution said Friday that the activists had been referred to court, as its investigation is complete.

Rights groups denounced Saudi Arabia Saturday over its decision to put jailed women activists on trial after holding them for nearly a year without charge. The public prosecution said Friday that the activists had been referred to court, as its investigation is complete. Some of those detained have allegedly faced torture and sexual harassment during interrogation, following their arrest in May last year in a sweeping crackdown on campaigners. "The Saudi authorities have done nothing to investigate serious allegations of torture," said Michael Page, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. "Now, it's the women's rights activists, not any torturers, who face criminal charges and trials." More than a dozen activists were arrested just a month before the historic lifting of a decades-long ban on women drivers. Most were accused of undermining security and aiding enemies of the state. Some were later released. Amnesty International called Friday's announcement a "shocking sign of the kingdom's escalating crackdown on activists" and demanded "the immediate release of prisoners of conscience." Trials in the ultra-conservative kingdom are often shrouded in secrecy. The prosecutor did not specify the charges nor give a date for their trial. But the announcement sparked speculation that the activists could be released under the cover of a judicial process after the crackdown prompted scathing criticism against Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. "There is a legal process moving forward and I think it will end well," Ali Shihabi, founder of pro-Saudi government think tank Arabia Foundation, said on Twitter. "Let us see the end result and then judge, not jump to conclusions." Those still detained include Aziza al-Yousef, a retired professor at Riyadh's King Saud University. Another is Loujain al-Hathloul, who was held for more than 70 days in 2014 for attempting to drive from neighbouring United Arab Emirates to Saudi Arabia. Following their arrest, state-backed newspapers published front-page pictures of some of the activists with the word "traitor" stamped across them in red. Loujain was one of the activists who faced sexual harassment and torture during interrogation, her family and rights groups said. The Saudi government has rejected the allegation.

Rights groups condemn Saudi Arabia over trial of women activists

If you ask a weaver at Avani what her favourite part of her job is, the answer will almost never be the weaving itself. Money is a common response, as there are the various results of having it: making home improvements, paying for a wedding, opening a savings account. More often than not, though, the answer will simply be along the lines of, “I like to spend time with the other weavers.” It’s surprising at first. In a field where organisations trumpet phrases like “economic empowerment” and “reviving traditional arts,” the fact that someone might like their work simply because it allows them to spend time with other people feels strikingly inadequate. Yet in the time I’ve worked with Avani’s women weavers, I have come to believe that this social interaction is perhaps the most important— and most overlooked—aspect of any livelihood generation program. &nbsp;

In development literature, the concept of “safe spaces” has generally been deployed within highly specific contexts: a refugee camp, for example, or a shelter for victims of domestic violence. Within these contexts, the term “safe space” becomes extremely literal: A space where women can safely gather, free from physical harm. In the words of UNFPA, a safe space is defined as, “A formal or informal place where women and girls feel physically and emotionally safe. The term ‘safe’, in the present context, refers to the absence of trauma, excessive stress, violence (or fear of violence), or abuse.”&nbsp;

But this is not the only definition of safe spaces. Seemingly on the opposite end of the spectrum, college campuses across the United States have touted the creation of “safe spaces” in order to protect certain groups from marginalisation or emotional/psychological harm. By this definition, a safe space is far less literal, referring more to an abstract “space” in which dialogue and learning are mediated and monitored. Here, “safe” has less to do with physical safety, and instead largely refers to the absence of emotional or psychological trauma. This definition has come under significant criticism recently, with some theorists pointing out that honest dialogue about social justice issues is rarely “safe,” in the abstract sense of the term. In the words of one group of scholars, “We argue that authentic learning about social justice often requires the very qualities of risk, difficulty, and controversy that are defined as incompatible with safety.”

On one hand, the women in Avani’s community aren’t in any immediate physical danger (or, at least not a danger that is readily apparent). Although domestic violence does occur, women in this community generally live without their husbands, as most men have migrated to urban centers in search of work. And while there are cases of crime and violence, the region is, compared to many other areas in India, relatively secure. On the other hand, the definition of safe spaces put forth in academia, and its accompanying critiques is strikingly inadequate in describing the very real physical, social, and emotional threats these women face, just by virtue of speaking their minds and daring to be independent.&nbsp;

How, then, do I describe the spaces Avani’s weavers have created for themselves? Shortcomings of either definition of safe spaces aside, the weaving centers, where Avani’s weavers gather every day, are unquestionably unlike anywhere else in these women’s lives. Each of Avani’s field centers is a social ecosystem unto itself: a vibrant hub of women who come together not just to weave, but also to sing their favorite songs, dance along to Bollywood videos they find on YouTube, trade stories of philandering husbands and misbehaving children, and discuss the news of the day. In a region where it is exceedingly rare to see women simply “hanging out” with each other in public spaces, this simple act of gathering feels radical and undeniably political. Indeed, the positive effects of being part of a supportive community of women seem to be an unintended, albeit wonderful, outcome of creating a women’s cooperative.&nbsp;

In women’s cooperatives, the term “safe space” takes on a new meaning, in between the formalised, rigid structures put forth by the United Nations and the more abstract, conceptual notions discussed on college campuses. The “space” these women have created is both literal and figurative: a secluded, women-only gathering space and a relational, dialogue-driven community. Defining safe spaces in this way illuminates what we already instinctively know to be true: that work can be more than just a way for people to put food on the table— it can be a source of community, support, inspiration, and empowerment. At their best, cooperatives like Avani can serve as a physical space for a community’s most marginalised members to let their guards down, be themselves, and step away from an outside world that forces them to take up less space than they deserve.&nbsp;

My proposition then, is to not simply accept that such communities will emerge on their own— even if they do— but rather, to intentionally pursue this space building as a goal in and of itself, on par in importance with increasing incomes. Generating incomes can be a powerful source of empowerment for women in Kumaon. But in my view, the social and political empowerment that comes with it, in the form of a vibrant, active community, is even more powerful in changing the lives of women in these underserved regions.&nbsp;

*A previous version of<a href="https://aif.org/when-work-becomes-home-safe-spaces-and-belonging-in-a-womens-cooperative/"> this article</a> was originally published&nbsp;by the American India Foundation.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

If you ask a weaver at Avani what her favourite part of her job is, the answer will almost never be the weaving itself. Money is a common response, as there are the various results of having it: making home improvements, paying for a wedding, opening a savings account.

If you ask a weaver at Avani what her favourite part of her job is, the answer will almost never be the weaving itself. Money is a common response, as there are the various results of having it: making home improvements, paying for a wedding, opening a savings account. More often than not, though, the answer will simply be along the lines of, “I like to spend time with the other weavers.” It’s surprising at first. In a field where organisations trumpet phrases like “economic empowerment” and “reviving traditional arts,” the fact that someone might like their work simply because it allows them to spend time with other people feels strikingly inadequate. Yet in the time I’ve worked with Avani’s women weavers, I have come to believe that this social interaction is perhaps the most important— and most overlooked—aspect of any livelihood generation program. In development literature, the concept of “safe spaces” has generally been deployed within highly specific contexts: a refugee camp, for example, or a shelter for victims of domestic violence. Within these contexts, the term “safe space” becomes extremely literal: A space where women can safely gather, free from physical harm. In the words of UNFPA, a safe space is defined as, “A formal or informal place where women and girls feel physically and emotionally safe. The term ‘safe’, in the present context, refers to the absence of trauma, excessive stress, violence (or fear of violence), or abuse.” But this is not the only definition of safe spaces. Seemingly on the opposite end of the spectrum, college campuses across the United States have touted the creation of “safe spaces” in order to protect certain groups from marginalisation or emotional/psychological harm. By this definition, a safe space is far less literal, referring more to an abstract “space” in which dialogue and learning are mediated and monitored. Here, “safe” has less to do with physical safety, and instead largely refers to the absence of emotional or psychological trauma. This definition has come under significant criticism recently, with some theorists pointing out that honest dialogue about social justice issues is rarely “safe,” in the abstract sense of the term. In the words of one group of scholars, “We argue that authentic learning about social justice often requires the very qualities of risk, difficulty, and controversy that are defined as incompatible with safety.” On one hand, the women in Avani’s community aren’t in any immediate physical danger (or, at least not a danger that is readily apparent). Although domestic violence does occur, women in this community generally live without their husbands, as most men have migrated to urban centers in search of work. And while there are cases of crime and violence, the region is, compared to many other areas in India, relatively secure. On the other hand, the definition of safe spaces put forth in academia, and its accompanying critiques is strikingly inadequate in describing the very real physical, social, and emotional threats these women face, just by virtue of speaking their minds and daring to be independent. How, then, do I describe the spaces Avani’s weavers have created for themselves? Shortcomings of either definition of safe spaces aside, the weaving centers, where Avani’s weavers gather every day, are unquestionably unlike anywhere else in these women’s lives. Each of Avani’s field centers is a social ecosystem unto itself: a vibrant hub of women who come together not just to weave, but also to sing their favorite songs, dance along to Bollywood videos they find on YouTube, trade stories of philandering husbands and misbehaving children, and discuss the news of the day. In a region where it is exceedingly rare to see women simply “hanging out” with each other in public spaces, this simple act of gathering feels radical and undeniably political. Indeed, the positive effects of being part of a supportive community of women seem to be an unintended, albeit wonderful, outcome of creating a women’s cooperative. In women’s cooperatives, the term “safe space” takes on a new meaning, in between the formalised, rigid structures put forth by the United Nations and the more abstract, conceptual notions discussed on college campuses. The “space” these women have created is both literal and figurative: a secluded, women-only gathering space and a relational, dialogue-driven community. Defining safe spaces in this way illuminates what we already instinctively know to be true: that work can be more than just a way for people to put food on the table— it can be a source of community, support, inspiration, and empowerment. At their best, cooperatives like Avani can serve as a physical space for a community’s most marginalised members to let their guards down, be themselves, and step away from an outside world that forces them to take up less space than they deserve. My proposition then, is to not simply accept that such communities will emerge on their own— even if they do— but rather, to intentionally pursue this space building as a goal in and of itself, on par in importance with increasing incomes. Generating incomes can be a powerful source of empowerment for women in Kumaon. But in my view, the social and political empowerment that comes with it, in the form of a vibrant, active community, is even more powerful in changing the lives of women in these underserved regions. *A previous version of this article was originally published by the American India Foundation. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Blog: Safe spaces and belonging in a women's cooperative

Unidentified miscreants on Friday allegedly vandalised the house of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/activist-supporting-womens-entry-into-sabarimala-detained-ahead-of-pms-shirdi-visit-172264">woman activist </a>Rehana Fatima who had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/woman-journalist-begins-climbing-sabarimala-hill-to-fulfill-her-professional-duty-172221">unsuccessfully attempted to enter Sabarimala Temple</a> in the state.

Fatima had gone up to the Lord Ayyappa shrine, along with journalist Kavitha Jakkal, this morning under police protection.

Both retreated midway after a meeting with Kerala Inspector General of Police (IGP) S. Sreejith.

Fatima, who had to return without going to the shrine, claimed that people who want to disrupt peace, not devotees, had stopped them from visiting the shrine. She told reporters here after her return, "People, not the devotees, who want to disrupt peace didn`t allow us to enter. I want to know what was the reason (to stop us)? Tell me, in which way one needs to be a devotee? You tell me that first and then I will tell you if I am a devotee or not".

"I don`t know what happened to my children. My life is also in danger. But they (police) have said that they will provide protection. That is why I am going back," she added.

Jakkal, who was stopped 500 metres from the holy 18 steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum of the famous shrine, on her return said, "Thank you so much for supporting us. We are feeling proud to come here. You have seen what kind of dangerous situation we have faced."

Both Fatima and Jakkal were escorted back to Pamba by the police.The two women who were en route to the Sabarimala Temple agreed to return after the temple head priest (Tantri) Kandararu Rajeevaru threatened to shut down the temple if they attempted to force their way in.

Meanwhile, Mary Sweety, a 46-year-old woman, returned midway after she was stopped by the protesters at Pamba. She has currently been taken to a police control room.

Two days after the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala opened its doors for the first time for females of all age group, as per the Supreme Court verdict pronounced on September 28, no woman of menstrual age has yet been able to visit the shrine because of continuous protests.

Earlier in the day, a number of devotees had gathered to block the entry of women trekking up to the hill shrine.

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.

Protesters had allegedly vandalised a bus carrying journalists and other passengers at Laka near the Nilakkal base camp.

The police were forced to lathi-charge the protesters as they resorted to stone pelting.

Elderly women were seen entering the 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.

The temple opened on Wednesday at 5 pm, and it will close on October 22.

Unidentified miscreants on Friday allegedly vandalised the house of woman activist Rehana Fatima who had unsuccessfully attempted to enter Sabarimala Temple in the state.

Unidentified miscreants on Friday allegedly vandalised the house of woman activist Rehana Fatima who had unsuccessfully attempted to enter Sabarimala Temple in the state. Fatima had gone up to the Lord Ayyappa shrine, along with journalist Kavitha Jakkal, this morning under police protection. Both retreated midway after a meeting with Kerala Inspector General of Police (IGP) S. Sreejith. Fatima, who had to return without going to the shrine, claimed that people who want to disrupt peace, not devotees, had stopped them from visiting the shrine. She told reporters here after her return, "People, not the devotees, who want to disrupt peace didn`t allow us to enter. I want to know what was the reason (to stop us)? Tell me, in which way one needs to be a devotee? You tell me that first and then I will tell you if I am a devotee or not". "I don`t know what happened to my children. My life is also in danger. But they (police) have said that they will provide protection. That is why I am going back," she added. Jakkal, who was stopped 500 metres from the holy 18 steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum of the famous shrine, on her return said, "Thank you so much for supporting us. We are feeling proud to come here. You have seen what kind of dangerous situation we have faced." Both Fatima and Jakkal were escorted back to Pamba by the police.The two women who were en route to the Sabarimala Temple agreed to return after the temple head priest (Tantri) Kandararu Rajeevaru threatened to shut down the temple if they attempted to force their way in. Meanwhile, Mary Sweety, a 46-year-old woman, returned midway after she was stopped by the protesters at Pamba. She has currently been taken to a police control room. Two days after the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala opened its doors for the first time for females of all age group, as per the Supreme Court verdict pronounced on September 28, no woman of menstrual age has yet been able to visit the shrine because of continuous protests. Earlier in the day, a number of devotees had gathered to block the entry of women trekking up to the hill shrine. 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. Protesters had allegedly vandalised a bus carrying journalists and other passengers at Laka near the Nilakkal base camp. The police were forced to lathi-charge the protesters as they resorted to stone pelting. Elderly women were seen entering the 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. The temple opened on Wednesday at 5 pm, and it will close on October 22.

Sabarimala row: Unidentified miscreants vandalise activist's house

Members of All India Democratic Women Association (AIDWA), on Wednesday, staged a 48-hour hunger strike against Vishakhapatnam police for not filing an FIR against film-maker Ram Gopal Varma.&nbsp;

The members sought an FIR against the film-maker over his latest release &#39;God, Sex And Truth&#39;.

Members from eight women associations staged a 48-hour long hunger strike at the GVMC Gandhi statue in Vizag.

Varma&#39;s latest was released online last month and raked controversy for allegedly insulting women. The film-maker was booked also booked for obscenity.&nbsp;

AIDWA member Mani alleges Varma of asking her to act in his next porn movie. Mani had given a written complaint against Ram Gopal Varma last month but the Vizag police didn&#39;t file an FIR.

Now Andhra Pradesh women associations and AIDWA are demanding not an FIR and the immediate arrest of the film-maker.

&quot;There is no safety in Andhra Pradesh. When Telangana police have filed an FIR, why is Vizag police not doing the same?&quot; Telangana Women Association leader noted.&nbsp;

The women groups allege that Varma&#39;s &#39;God, Sex and Truth&#39; portrays women in an objectionable manner. Ram Gopal Verma is also accused of using abusive language against women in his recent TV interview.

Meanwhile, Ram Gopal Varma recently took to&nbsp;Twitter stating that his lawyers &quot;are initiating the necessary action for the&nbsp;law to take its own course&quot;.

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People blaming me for saying derogatory things, called me PERVERT,PSYCHO, TERRORIST and I should be SHOT. Anyways my lawyers are initiating the necessary action for law to take its own course and I am further not going to speak on matters under investigation and subjudice.
&mdash; Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) <a href="https://twitter.com/RGVzoomin/status/965956801744183297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;I am further not going to speak on matters under investigation and subjudice,&quot; read his tweet.&nbsp;

Varma previously noted that the Rajinikanth-led television channel is spreading false news about him.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The women groups allege that Varma's 'God, Sex and Truth' portrays women in an objectionable manner

Members of All India Democratic Women Association (AIDWA), on Wednesday, staged a 48-hour hunger strike against Vishakhapatnam police for not filing an FIR against film-maker Ram Gopal Varma. The members sought an FIR against the film-maker over his latest release 'God, Sex And Truth'. Members from eight women associations staged a 48-hour long hunger strike at the GVMC Gandhi statue in Vizag. Varma's latest was released online last month and raked controversy for allegedly insulting women. The film-maker was booked also booked for obscenity. AIDWA member Mani alleges Varma of asking her to act in his next porn movie. Mani had given a written complaint against Ram Gopal Varma last month but the Vizag police didn't file an FIR. Now Andhra Pradesh women associations and AIDWA are demanding not an FIR and the immediate arrest of the film-maker. "There is no safety in Andhra Pradesh. When Telangana police have filed an FIR, why is Vizag police not doing the same?" Telangana Women Association leader noted. The women groups allege that Varma's 'God, Sex and Truth' portrays women in an objectionable manner. Ram Gopal Verma is also accused of using abusive language against women in his recent TV interview. Meanwhile, Ram Gopal Varma recently took to Twitter stating that his lawyers "are initiating the necessary action for the law to take its own course". People blaming me for saying derogatory things, called me PERVERT,PSYCHO, TERRORIST and I should be SHOT. Anyways my lawyers are initiating the necessary action for law to take its own course and I am further not going to speak on matters under investigation and subjudice. — Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) February 20, 2018 × "I am further not going to speak on matters under investigation and subjudice," read his tweet. Varma previously noted that the Rajinikanth-led television channel is spreading false news about him. (With inputs from ANI)

Women activists stage 48-hr hunger strike seeking Ram Gopal Varma's arrest

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