Hydrabad based jounalist Kavitha Jakkal and activist Rehna Fathima step off shabarimala with police protection as they were not allowed to enter sannidhanam.Express Photo by Vignesh Krishnamoorthy.19,October,2018,Kerala.
Sabarimala Protests Today Highlights: Two women, a journalist and a social activist who started their climb to the Sabarimala hill Friday morning along with police security decided to descent fearing the protesters, waiting ahead for them.
Inspector General of Police Sreejith, leading a large police contingent, Friday morning spoke to the protesters in an attempt to reason with them, however, the agitators refused to budge replying, “We will not allow you to take young women to the shrine. We are ready to die for our Lord.”
Returning midway from their trek to Sabarimala, journalist Kavitha Jakkal was filled with pride and thankful for the support both women received. Woman activist Rehana Fathima, on the other hand, said that people who want to disrupt peace did not allow them to enter, not the devotees.
As protests continued and violence intensified on the second day since Sabarimala temple opened its doors, the Travancore Devaswom Board on Thursday said it was ready for any compromise to bring peace to the hill shrine, including a review petition in the top court. The Sabarimala temple is managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), whose president is ruling CPM party leader A Padmakumar.
Former Travancore Devaswom Board president Prayar Gopalakrishnan said that women trying to enter the shrine is an agenda-driven process and alleged that police is trying to help them in this activity.
Sabarimala hartal kerala Highlights: Hindu devotees stop a car to check if any women of menstruating age are headed towards the Sabarimala temple, at Nilakkal Base camp in Pathanamthitta district in Kerala. (Reuters)
CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury Friday demanded to know why the Centre was not applying the yardstick of equal treatment of women it used on the triple talaq issue to the Sabarimala row and blamed the BJP for whipping up communal passions for electoral gains. "The government did that saying equality of men and women is fundamental to our constitution and that it should be protected." "Therefore triple talaq is unequal treatment of women and they brought this ordinance. Same principle why they are not applying for Sabarimala?" he asked.
Hindus, who constitute nearly 55 per cent of Kerala’s population according to the last census, have rarely been polarised in elections in the state, and have never voted en bloc for any party, reports our correspondent Vishnu Varma.
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The Congress in Kerala Friday 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
"We have decided to appeal against the Supreme Court verdict that allowed women of all age groups to enter Sabarimala Temple": A Padmakumar, President, Travancore Devaswom Board
Two women reached the temple hilltop, however, protesters did not let them enter the shrine and they had to return back to Pamba fearing for their lives. See, in pictures
The Centre has asked the southern states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to tighten security in view of the continuing protests against the Supreme Court order allowing entry of women of all age groups to Sabarimala temple. The Union Home Ministry, in an advisory, asked the three states to closely monitor the dissemination of various "adverse" messages through social media and the Internet services, reported PTI.
In a letter issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday, it had asked Chief Secretaries and Director of General of Police Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to take necessary measures to maintain law and order and to 'prevent any untoward incident'. Letter also states that certain civil, women's rights activists, left parties and pro-LWE groups have been campaigning in favour of the Supreme Court verdict.
Returning midway from their trek to Sabarimala, journalist Kavitha Jakkal was filled with pride and thankful for the support both women received. 'You've seen what dangeours situation we faced,' said Jakkal. Woman activist Rehana Fathima on the other hand said that people who want to disrupt peace did not allow them to enter, not the devotees. Citing her reason to tread back from the climb to hill shrine, Fathima said her life was in danger and so she has decided to return.
Addressing the issue of two women who attempted to climb the hill shrine this morning, State Devaswon (religious trust) Minister Kadakampally Surendran said people of all ages will be allowed to go to Sabarimala, however, at the same time, it would not become a place where activists can showcase their power. "It can't be a place where they prove certain points of theirs," said the religious trust minister. Further, he said that it has become impossible for the government to figure out who is who as there are some people like activists trying to enter the temple.
In a press release, BSNL has issued a statement relating to their employee Rehana Fathima who was one of the two women who climbed hill shrine today morning, clarifying that BSNL is 'no way' connected with the activities of Fathima. General Manager of BSNL, Kerala telecom Circle S. Jyothi Sankar clarified in the press release, Fahima shall be 'fully responsible in her own personal capacity for her activities outside the normal business hours.
It further states that her actions are in no way related to the written assigned official responsibilites, as per BSNL Condusct and Service Rules and Regulations.
In these battle of words between, deep down the ruling CPM, the Opposition Congress and the BJP realise that Sabarimala has the potential to upend politics in an election year. Senior Kerala BJP leader K Surendran said that “Sabarimala has become a turning point in Kerala politics,” which also reflects the party’s hope and confidence.
Read| Congress boxed in, BJP benefits and CPM scrambles for cover in rapidly shifting Sabarimala politics
“The sentiments of believers cannot be overlooked”, said former Congress Chief Minister Oomen Chandy virtually echoing senior Kerala RSS functionary P Gopalan Kutty Master. The Congress, Chandy told The Indian Express, has not changed its position. Sources in Kerala Congress said the party was boxed in a corner by an aggressive BJP. An element of one-upmanship in the party also contributed to taking the stand.
Kerala Congress Leader Ramesh Chennithala has reportedly met Governor Palanisamy Sathasivam today explaining him the present situation at Sabarimala. Addressing a conference he said, Kerala police is doing wrong and under his governance their party members would have spoken to the devotees and no viloence would have caused.
A woman in her 40s from Kazhakootam near Trivandrum at Pamba has expressed her wish to climb the hill to the shrine, our correspondent Vishnu Varma has reported. The police are trying to reason with her and explaining her the security complications and chances of violence in case she proceeds towards the temple. The police has indirectly informed the woman that they cannot ensure security at the shrine, however, they have not stopped her. At present, the woman is at the police control room in Pamba. She would be the third woman today if she decides to climb the hill shrine.Kerala:
Sabarimala chief priest Kantararu Rajeevaru said he will shut the shrine and hand over the keys to management if women of menstruating age climbed up the 18 steps to the temple. He said he had come to this decision in consultation with the Pandalam royal family.
Read more| Will shut Sabarimala temple if women are allowed
(ANI photo)
Journalist Kavitha Jakkal and social activist Rehana Fathima, women who made an attempt to trek the hill shrine today morning, have begun their descent, fearing violence from protesters. They would take another 30 minutes to climb down the hill to Pamba, one of the base camps. Both women managed to walk past 'Marakootam' along with the police which was also the spot where a woman journalist from New York Times was blocked yesterday. On her way to the temple yesterday, the NYT reporter faced stone pelting from protesters which resulted in her descent.
BJP Pathanamthitta District President Hari who tried to sit in the middle of a road to protest has been detained by the police.
Hari informs, the social activist Rehana Fathima is the woman who was in the kiss of love protest has today attempted to climb Sabarimala. 'There are old women here that's why I cannot say the things she has done. Look up her fb profile and you will understand,' said Hari.
He further questioned why one of the women who climbed this morning went in police attire. 'This is a crude attempt by the CPM to destroy the beliefs of Hindus and Ayyappa devotees. We will never allow this to happen.'
(Express photo)
Protests start in Erumeli as well and some BJP leaders including B Gopalakrishnan has been detained by the police. Protesters outside Erumeli Dharma Shastha Temple
(Protesters outside Erumeli Dharma Shastha Temple. Express photos)
Two men on a motorbike vandalised the house of social activist Rehana Fatima today at 8 am, says Chief Inspector Siby. Fatima is one of the women who started her climb to the Sabarimala temple this morning.
(Express photos by Kiran Gangadhar/ IEMalayalam)
"The govt must decide whether the beliefs of crores of devotees must be protected or to implement the agenda of a few women," says Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala.
He further said the govt must not lay the ground for BJP or RSS to exploit this situation. "We have been telling the govt from very early on not to take this situation lightly. Its a failure of police intelligence," says Chennithala.
Our reporter Shaju Philip quotes Kerala minister Kadakampally Surendran.
Police intend to return to Pamba, one of the base camps, with the two women as they do not wish to engage in violence. The government does not want Sabarimala to be a site for activism.
While the government indicates that it does not intend to turn Sabarimala into a conflict zone.
A large number of protesters wait at Nadapanthal, a few hundred metres away from Sabarimala temple, as two women, journalist Kavitha Jakkal and social activist Rehana Fatima, make their way towards it, according to Manorama, our correspondent Vishnu Varma reports.
Large police contingent under IG Sreejith have reached Nadapanthal and are face to face with the protesters.
IG Sreejith speaks to protesters,' I know you are devotees of Ayyappa. We are also devotees of Ayyappa. But we have been bound to follow and implement the law. You must allow us to implement the law'. One of the protesters' replies, 'We will not allow you to take young women to the shrine. We are ready to die for our Lord.'
Many protesters have laid down on the road to block the police.
Two women journalists have started her climb to the hill shrine this morning. Police led by IG S Sreejith have provided the reporters with a security ring. One of the women is ajournalist reportedly in her late 20s hailing from Hyderabad while the details of the second woman remain unknown, PTI reported.
While TDB considers its options of tackling the present situation at Sabarimala, our correspondent Vishnu Varma present at the site, gives an account of pilgrims and activists' views.
Among people who stand against the Surpeme Court's verdict, 43-year-old Jayarajan from Perinthalmanna in north Kerala questioned why all the energy is focused on Sabarimala. “Are all Supreme Court verdicts being followed? What about underpaid nurses in Kerala? Despite SC orders, why are their wages not hiked? What about the Jacobite Church row?” “Vishwasam aanu, athine thagarkkaruth (It’s a belief, don’t break it),” he said.
Read more| ‘Whatever Supreme Court says, men will be men and women will be women’
Some activists of Hindu Aikya Vedi expressed their displeasure with the media. One of them said, “Why is the media calling us Hindu terrorists? Are we terrorists? Why is the media hell bent on allowing young women into Sabarimala?”
In order to bring peace to the hill shrine, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) on Thursday said it was ready to make a compromise which included to file a review petition in the Supreme Court.
The TDB and the royal family of Pandalam met Wednesday to discuss the ongoing protests and violence over Supreme Court's verdict related to the Sabarimala temple, however, the meeting went in vain as they failed to reach a consensus over filing a review petition in the apex court.
During the meeting, the royal family on Wednesday urged TDB to file a review petition in court, however, it met with a refusal from the temple board, which said it would continue the meeting today and consider the review petition as well.
Earlier to the protests and attacks on women, TDB had accepted the top court's judgment and vowed to abide by it, however, as the violence and agitation intensified, it decided to weigh its options.
Good morning! Welcome to our Live blog. Read all the latest updates on the Sabarimala issue, a day after the 24-hour bandh.
A row broke out in Kerala over an audio clip which urged Lord Ayyappa devotees to reach Sabarimala disguised as devotees and create trouble with a Minister targeting the BJP over it and the latter denying any link. State Devasowm (religious trusts) Minister Kadakampally Surendran played the audio clip at a press meet and alleged it was the attempt by Sangh forces and BJP to mobilise people at the Lord Ayyappa temple to create trouble over the raging issue of entry of women of all age groups.
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A case has been registered against devotees who allegedly prevented the New York Times Delhi-based journalist from trekking and then forced her to climb down the hills today morning. The journalist later said she and her colleague decided to return after they were stopped by an "aggressive mob" which hurled stones at them. A stone hit her on the shoulder, she said. Police had said that they were ready to give her security but she decided to return because they didn't want "anybody to get hurt".
Centre has asked the Kerala government to ensure peace across the state following protests against the Supreme Court order allowing women of all age groups to enter Sabarimala temple, officials said. In an advisory, the Home Ministry said the maintenance of law and order, including providing security to women wishing to visit the temple, was the responsibility of the state government.
Kerala Police has deployed three senior police officers to oversee the security operations in Nilakkal and Pamba, said state police chief Loknath Behera.
CPI National General Secretary Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy termed as “very unfortunate” the protests in Kerala against the Supreme Court verdict allowing entry of women of all ages to the hill shrine. "They (agitators) should respect the SC judgement in spite of the sentiment which they may be having (against it)," Reddy said.
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6 BJP yotuh activists were detained for staging a protest at Nilakkal thus violating section 144 which was imposed to avert any kind of violence in the area following demonstrations about entrance of women of menstruating age from entering the temple premise. BJP President P S Sreedharan Pillai had announced that Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha members would violate the law with a sit-in protest. Acting on the president's warning, the police removed the group.
Dismissing reports on closing down Lord Ayyappa temple if women entered the sannidhanam or 'the temple sanatorium', the temple head priest Kandaru Rajeevaru appealed to women between the ages of 10 and 50 and said, "We have never said that the temple will be closed if women of the traditionally barred age group enter there. It is our duty and responsibility to carry out the monthly poojas and other rituals. We will not break the custom," reported PTI.
Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan wrote on Twitter stating that Sangh Parivar and RSS have always been intolerant of Sabarimala's uniqueness allowing entry to people of all faith and have earlier made attempts to erase this distinction of the temple. He further said that the role played by them in eliminating rituals performed at the temple by the Adivasi-Malayaran community is common knowledge. "The RSS backed attackers are obstructing believers and spreading terror," said the chief minister. "These attackers are motivated by casteist and feudal ideologies. Encouraging such movements will eventually lead to the banishment of backward classes from places like Sabarimala. All believers must condemn this attack on Sabarimala," said Vijayan.
District Collector of Pathanamthitta P.B. Nooh told our correspondent Vishnu Varma that their primary concern is the safety of children and they would make all arrangements for them to arrive at Sabarimala and offer prayers. Further, he said that Section 144 has been imposed today and tomorrow and the police would be examining whether Section 144 should be lifted.
Speaking on the return of the woman journalist this morning, the official said there was sufficient police protection for the journalist, however, when protests started, she opted to come back.
So far six Superintendent of police officers,, 440 civil police officers including men and women have been deployed in Nilackal.
The head priest of Sabarimala Kandararu Rajeevaru has called the present as a 'dangerous situation' and said that the Surpeme Court only thinks about the law of land and not about customs and traditions. He further said that his opinion is based on old custom and tradition.
Some BJP youth activists have been detained while viloating Section 144 CrPc imposed in four places including Pamba, Erumeli, which are the routes to Sabarimala, our correspondent Vishnu Varma reported. The activists were sitting on the main road, Erumeli, chanting Lord Ayyappa's name when a police bus detained them and took them to the nearest police station. While being taken away to the police station, the activists screamed, "Police under Vijayan can kill us but they can't stop us."
Massive police force and special unit has been deployed to control violence.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat while delivering the annual Vijayadashami speech in Nagpur, spoke on the Sabarimala issue and said the premise of the tradition that has been accepted by society and continuously followed for years together was not taken into consideration by the Supreme Court. Speaking on the verdict, Bhagwat said faith of crores of devotees and version of religious denominations was not taken into account.
"Nowhere in the world, healthy and peaceful social life has ever thrived and can thrive merely based on laws and fear of punishment," Bhagwat said.
Decisions taken without considering all aspects and patiently creating mindset of the society will neither be adopted in actual practice nor will they help in creating a new social order, in tune with changing times and positions, he said.
The BJP and its NDA partners have lent support to the hartal call, however, Congress said it would not participate in the strike but will hold protest demonstrations across the state today. Besides Erumeli, Section 144 CrPc has been imposed in four other places including Pamba, Sannidhanam, reported PTI. Roads have been deserted and no buses or autorickshaws are seen in the wake of the hartal. Special security arrangements have been made at Pamba, Nilackal, Erumeli.
All commercial markets are closed at Kozhikode due to the hartal, PTI reported.
Our correspondent Vishnu Varma reports from Erumeli, one of the base camps of the temple, where Section 144 has been imposed in the wake of hartal invoked by Sabarimala Samrakshana Samit. There is no movement of buses, autos and small shops are open during hartal, reports our correspondent.
Streets are deserted at Erumeli, an important halting point for pilgrims. A day before the the doors to the temple had opened, Ayyappan devotees travelling to the shrine were stopping at Erumeli. While some pilgrims stopped for lunch, others performed their ritual dance.
Thousands of devotees who make their way to the temple make it a point to circumambulate a mosque dedicated to Vavar at Erumeli. Different stories exist about the close friendship between Lord Ayyappa and Vavar, who is said to have been a warrior. There is also a shrine dedicated to Vavar close to the main temple complex at Sabarimala. Read more about Vavar here