Kochi, December 9: Scores of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers on Sunday conducted a protest march towards Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's residence over the Sabarimala issue. According to a tweet by ANI, the Police used water cannon and tear gas shells to disperse protesters. Reports inform that section 144, that was imposed in and around Sabarimala temple was extended till midnight of December 12. History of Sabarimala: Why Women Weren't Allowed Into The Lord Ayyappa Shrine.
Pathanamthitta district collector PB Nooh on Saturday had extended the curfew or the prohibitory orders. The curfew, which prohibits the assembly of over four people in the area, is in place in Eluvankal, Sabarimala, Sannidhanam, Pamba and Nilakkal. According to a report by ANI, the Police on Saturday had submitted a report to the district collector, seeking to extend the prohibitory orders until January 14. Women's' Entry In Sabarimala Shrine to be Delayed? Temple Board May Seek Time to Implement Supreme Court's Order.
Kerala: BJP workers conduct protest march towards Chief Minister's residence over #Sabarimala issue. Police use water canon and tear gas shells to disperse protesters. pic.twitter.com/Q4TPG5WQDm
— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2018
Kerala has been witnessing widespread protests after the Supreme Court’s verdict allowing women of all age groups to enter the Lord Ayappa shrine. Reports inform that till date, no women in the 10-50 age group has succeeded in offering prayers at the shrine as various people have been protesting against the court’s decision. Supreme Court Judgement Allowing Entry of Women of All Ages in Ayyappa Temple Disappointing, Says Head Priest Kandararu Rajeevarau.
On Saturday, Police arrested BJP leaders including its state unit vice-president N Shivarajan for breaching prohibitory orders at Nilakkal. Reports inform that around 69 people were arrested in November after they allegedly violated Section 144 imposed in the vicinity of the temple.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 09, 2018 02:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).