Sabarimala: At least 30 women from rights group to attempt visit to shrine on Sunday; govt guarantees security

Around 30 to 40 women from a Chennai-based rights group are expected to reach Sabarimala on Sunday, in another attempt to enter the iconic Kerala shrine. A number of unsuccessful attempts have been made by female activists and devotees to access the shrine after the Supreme Court’s 28 September verdict, which overruled the decades-old ban on the entry of women aged between 10 and 50. Sabarimala has seen unabated protests from devotees and Opposition against the LDF-led government’s efforts to implement the order. Several protesters were also detained after the government imposed prohibitory orders to curb violence in the areas around the shrine.

According to reports, women from rights group ‘Manithi’, will reach Kottayam on Sunday, from where they will proceed to the Sabarimala temple. The New Indian Express reported that the Kerala government has guaranteed security to the activists. However, CNN-News18 reported that the state police have not been given adequate details about the activists’ visit on Sunday. Reportedly, protesters said that they will not allow any the activists to approach the temple, and will stop them at Kottayam itself. According to a report by Manorama, the activists planned the pilgrimage following an e-mail conversation with the Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The report said, “The intention is to have a darshan of Lord Ayyappa. As per the customs, all the members are strictly adhering to the Mandalakaala vrutham (pre-pilgrimage rituals). All members of the group have the backing of their family, the report added.” With inputs from agencies