‘ Won’t meddle with Sabarimala customs’

Amidst the row sparked by Kannada actress Jaimala’s confession that she had once touched the idol of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala

Amidst the row sparked by Kannada actress Jaimala’s confession that she had once touched the idol of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala, Kerala government on Thursday said it will not interfere in the centuries-old customs followed by the temple.

It was for the temple authorities and the Travancore Devaswom Board to decide on issues concerning customs followed, Devaswom Minister G Sudhakaran told the State Assembly. CPI MLA N Aniruddhan had sought to know from Sudhakaran whether the practice of not allowing women to visit Sabarimala did not amount to gender discrimination. Sudhakaran, however, evaded a direct reply to supplementaries on the Jaimala incident.

Police personnel seen to control the situation during a massive protest over the statehood demand and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh on Wednesday. (ANI Video Grab)

Statehood protest takes violent turn in Ladakh, BJP office set ablaze in Leh

India3 hr ago

Protests in Ladakh turned violent as students and youth organisations demanded statehood and Sixth Schedule status. Two elderly protesters fainted, prompting a shutdown call. A BJP office and security vehicle were set on fire. Activist Sonam Wangchuk urged for a peaceful approach. The demand for Sixth Schedule status is due to Ladakh's tribal-majority population and direct central administration.

View all shorts

Live Blog