Sabarimala Tense as 50-Women Group, All Aged Below 50, to Visit Lord Ayyappa Temple Today
The Hindu Aikya Vedi, led by controversial socio-political leader KP Sasikala, has declared that they would not allow the women to cross the Kottayam -- the district lying next to Pathanamthitta, where Sabarimala is located.
Kottayam, December 23: The temple complex of Sabarimala remains tense as it is likely to witness another round of intense protests from conservative groups on Sunday. A 50-member all-women group, all aged under 50, is firm on visiting the hilltop Lord Ayyappa shrine. Right-wing groups are expected to mobilise their cadres at the Nilackal base camp in a bid to stall their entry.
The Hindu Aikya Vedi, led by controversial socio-political leader KP Sasikala, has declared that they would not allow the women to cross the Kottayam -- the district lying next to Pathanamthitta, where Sabarimala is located. Sabarimala Row: Kerala High Court Grants Bail to Activist Rahul Easwar.
Aikya Vedi's general secretary Biju ES said the women, organised by Chennai-based outfit 'Manithi', will meet the same fate of Trupti Desai. The latter, a Maharashtra-based women activist, was prevented from leaving the Kochi airport by Lord Ayyappa devotees last month.
The recent Supreme Court verdict allowing entry of women aged between 10 to 50 in the Lord Ayyappa shrine has led to massive rounds of agitation in Kerala. The ruling CPI(M), which attempts to implement the order, has been accused of being "anti-Hindu" by the BJP and the state unit of the Congress.
Despite the state government attempting to facilitate the entry of women, attempts by female activists from across the nation -- since September 28 when the apex court issued its order -- has failed to yield results.
On Friday, a 43-year-old Andhra Pradesh-based woman was turned away from the base camp by police personnel, citing law and order concerns if she is allowed to visit the hilltop shrine.
The women arriving under the aegis of Manithi have written to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, stating that they intend to arrive at the Nilackal base camp at 10am on Sunday -- and would subsequently embark on the trek to the Lord Ayyappa temple.
"When they reach Nilackal, the base camp, and if there is any law and order situation, we will deal with it accordingly," a police official said, adding that no special security measures have been adopted in advance.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 22, 2018 10:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).