Kerala's Sabarimala Temple on Wednesday, 17 October, opened its gates to all devotees, including menstruating women, but the chaos surrounding it is far from over. The MHA has taken cognisance of the violence that took place in the state.
Section 144 will be imposed in four areas - Nilakkal, Pamba, Sannidhanam and Elavumkal on Thursday.
Tension prevailed in Kerala's Nilakkal, the main gateway to Sabarimala, after the police used force to disperse devotees opposing the entry of girls and women of menstrual age into the hill shrine.
The Supreme Court last month had lifted the ban on women of menstruating ages (10-50) from entering the temple.
- In a 4:1 verdict, the Supreme Court had granted women, of all age groups, entry into Kerala’s Sabarimala templeA high-level meeting of the
- Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the shrine, was called on Tuesday
- The Board is expected to ask the Supreme Court for more time to implement its verdict
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Kerala BJP Demands Ordinance
President Tamilisai Soundararajan Wednesday said the Kerala government can consider bringing an ordinance to reinforce the ban on women of menstrual age from entering the hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala.
She also accused the LDF government in Kerala of acting against Hindu sentiments.
"...the state government can bring an ordinance," she told reporters in response to questions on the proests against the supreme court order lifting the ban on entry of women in the age group of 10-50 into the temple.
Menstruating Women Stay Away From Sabarimala Amid Violence
While Women above 50 yrs of age were seen entering Sabarimala temple on Wednesday, women between 10-50 years of age didn't visit due to security concerns in the light of protests, ANI reported.
Sitaram Yechury Condemns Attacks on Women Journalists
CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury condemned the attacks on journalists covering the Sabarimala temple row.
“ Condemnable!The way women journalists were manhandled by so called devotees is unacceptable. Who are those attacking others and not allowing implementation of SC order? Contempt of court is a crime. They should be punished,” said Yechury.
Bus Vandalised Near Nilakkal Base Camp
A bus, carrying journalists among other passengers was vandalised at Laka near Nilakkal base camp by protesters on Wednesday evening. Stones were also pelted on the bus.