Sabarimala Temple Row: 11 Women Reach Pampa Base Camp, Section 144 Extented Till December 27
The temple complex of Sabarimala remains tense as it is likely to witness another round of intense protests from conservative groups on Sunday.
Kottayam, December 23: In a bid to enter sanctum sanctorum, six women aged between 10 to 50 years have arrived at a Pamba base in an attempt to enter the Sabarimala shrine in Kerala on Sunday. They arrived at Pamba, which is 4 kilometres from the hill shrine nestled in the Western Ghats, at around 3:30 am and were escorted by police teams. Sabarimala Temple Row: Kerala High Court Grants Bail to Activist Rahul Easwar.
Five other women who accompanied them said they did it to show them a 'bond of unity'. A total of 30 women including the six who reached base camp today are expected to start their remaining journey on December 23. Sabarimala Tense as 50-Women Group, All Aged Below 50, to Visit Lord Ayyappa Temple Today.
As the group reaches closer to sanctum sanctorum, protests have also intensified at Pamba. The protestors say that they will not allow women to enter the hilltop shrine. While, the group of women devotees said, "Please give us the way, we will visit the temple and return back soon."
Selvi, a member of the women's devotees group, told ANI that "We are here since 3.30 am. Police had said that they will provide us with protection but now they are not providing us protection to trek to the temple."
Seeing the current situation, Pathanamthitta district magistrate has extended Section 144 till 27th December. The order 144 prohibits unlawful gathering and protest between Elavungal and Sannidanam, reported ANI.
Kerala's Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran told ANI, "Kerala High Court has appointed a three-member committee including two judges to observe the activities of Sabarimala Temple. The committee will take the decision and the government will implement it."
Despite the Supreme Court's verdict allowing women to enter the holy shrine, the state government has failed to facilitate the entry of women. On Friday, a 43-year-old woman from Andhra Pradesh had to return back from the base citing the massive protest by devotees.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 23, 2018 09:36 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).