Sabarimala Temple updates: Congress says TDB should file review plea, not detailed report in SC

Devaswom minister reacts to Friday’s developments

Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran said that he had strong suspicion that today’s developments were the result of a conspiracy by the BJP and the RSS to create trouble in Sabarimala. He has welcomed the TDB decision to file a report about the situation in the Supreme Court and high court.

Protesters detained in Pamba

#Kerala: Police in Pamba detain Lord Ayyapaa devotees protesting against entry of women of all ages in #SabarimalaTemple pic.twitter.com/0ySJjh1nmr

— ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018

Visual from outside Sabarimala temple

Image courtesy: Anil Gopi

Protesters hold march outside IG’s resident

Save Sabarimala Forum activists taking out a march to Inspector General Manoj Abraham’s residence at Thiruvananthapuram to protest against the police action the he led against the protesters at Nilakkal on Thursday. CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan had termed the campaign against the IG as part of attempt to trigger a communal poarlisation in the police force.

TDB keeps changing stand, says Kerala BJP chief

Kerala BJP president PS Sreedharan Pillai has dismissed the TDB’s decision as “insincere”. “The TDB president A Padmakumar keep changing his stand. He must first prove his sincerity before announcing any new step,” he said.

TDB will decide on filing review plea after holding talks with Singhvi

TDP president A Padmakumar said that the board will be filing a report about the present situation and will become part of the existing review petitions. Whether the board should give a review petition or not will be decided after consultation with lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi.

They will also file a report before the high court.

25 review plea pending before SC in Sabarimala case

He said that the board had decided to approach the Supreme Court, which is the main demand of the devotees and Hindu outfits. There are currently 25 review petitions pending before it.

TDB to approach Abhishek Manu Singhvi to appear for them in SC

After the Travancore Dewasom Board(TDB) met on Friday, board president A Padmakumar said that they have decided to approach Senior lawyer Abishek Manu Singhvi as the lawyer to appear in the Supreme Court.

Travancore Dewasom Board decides to file urgent affidavit in Supreme Court

Woman devotee, turned back earlier today, plans to go on strike

According to NDTV, Kavitha, a journalist who was stopped from reaching Sabarimala temple on Friday, has said that she will go on strike against the protesters.

In name of devotees, other elements causing discord: Sitaram yechury on Sabarimala showdown

CPM leader Sitaram Yeschury says efforts are being made to disrupt social harmony. In the name of harmony, other elements are causing discord, he adds. “Those disturbing law and order will be dealt with,” says Yechury. 

He also blamed the BJP for trying to disrupt the law and order, and planting organised protests. “This is the worst form of vote bank politics being played at the expense of destroying social harmony. Women were roughed up, and it is being done by RSS. They lost the battle of preventing Sabarimala gates from opening on time and they’ll lose again.”

No woman managed to enter Sabarimala shrine despite court order 

In the three days that Sabarimala has been open for the first time since the landmark Supreme Court order, no woman in the age group of 10-50 has made it to the shrine. 24-year-old Kavitha Jakkala, a Hyderabad based news anchor and another woman, identified as Rehana Fathima from Ernakulam created history by managing to reach within 200 metres of the shrine, the farthest any woman has ever managed to come. 

However, they decided to abandon their quest to enter the shrine after even the priests of the temple came down in protest and threatened to shut down the temple, if the women tried to force their way in.

Sabarimala not a tourist spot, only devotees go there 

Sabarimala is not a tourist spot, only devotees go there. Right now what Kerala police is doing is wrong. Had there been our govt we would've handled the situation better. We would've talked to devotees, there would've been no violence: R Chennithala, Congress #SabarimalaTemple pic.twitter.com/IT9wdDfdvA

— ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018

Travancore Devaswom Board calls meet at 3 pm 

The Kerala Devaswom Board will hold an internal meeting at around 3 pm to discuss the strategy regarding the unprecedented resistance to the implementation of a Supreme Court order. The Travancore Devaswom Board will take a call on whether or not it will file a review petition in the Supreme Court against the September 18 order granting permission to all women to enter the shrine.

Visuals from Kochi residence of Rehana Fathima

The house of activist Rehana Fathima was vadalised by unidentiied miscreants after she decided to enter Sabarimala shrine. She was later forced to turn back after police told her that the visit can escalate a law and order situation. 

Kerala: The house of woman activist Rehana Fatima in Kochi was vandalised by unidentified miscreants earlier today. She had gone up to the #SabarimalaTemple this morning under police protection & returned midway after a meeting with Kerala IG. pic.twitter.com/OYvCG2mvmb

— ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018

Don’t know what happened to my children, my life is under threat, says Rehana Fathima

After Fathima was identified, two bike-borne men reportedly attacked her house. “I don’t know what happened to my children. My life is also in danger. But they (police) have said that they will provide protection. That is why I am going back (home),” Rehana Fathima, the woman who was asked to give up her plans to visit shrine said.

Rehana Fathima says people disrupted peace, not activists

**"**People, not devotees, who want to disrupt peace didn’t allow us to enter. I want to know what was the reason. Tell me, in which way one needs to be a devotee. You tell me that and then I will tell you if I’m a devotee or not,” activist Rahana Fathima said after she had to return without going to Sabarimala. ​

Home Ministry’s letter to Kerala, Tamil Nadu Karnataka govts warning against clashes in Sabarimala

Home ministry issued security advisory to Kerala on 16 oct, warned against clashes, protests 

The Union Home Ministry had issued an advisory dated 16 October to Kerala state government, asking them to make adequate security arrangements ahead of women’s entry to shrine. 

The Home Ministry had warned the state government about left activists using women to create trouble at Sabarimala. The ministry had also asked them to prepare for protests being called by right-wing groups.

Sabarimala situation war of atheists against beliefs, says Sreedharan Pillai

“This is a war against belief by atheists. Activists were given police uniform and protection gear to climb Sabarimala. Government is creating a storm in the state,” BJP State President PS Sreedharan Pillai said.

Women’s background should be checked before taking them to temple: Devaswom minister K Surendran 

Weighing in on the situation that unfolded at Sabarimala today morning, Dewasom Minister K Surendran ​said, “Sabarimala can never be made a war zone. Police should have been more careful while taking the two women up to the temple. Their backgrounds should have been checked.” 

“Sabarimala is not a place for activists to show their strength. Government will only support genuine devotees,” he added.

Kerala IG denies negotiating with two women trying to enter shrine, says duo decided to return on their own

“We had no negotiation with Rehana and Kavita, they decided themselves to go back. The government was categorical they don’t want any violence in Sabarimala, that’s what we heard from the government,” Kerala IG Sreejith said after reports came that the women were asked to go back from the shrine.

‘Who are you to decide who is an activist, and who a devotee?’ Rehana Fathima, one of the women turned back from shrine asks Kerala govt

Reacting to a Kerala minister’s comment that the Sabarimala shrine was no place for showing activism, Rehana Fathima, one of the women turned back from shrine asked him that how can anyone decide whether or not she was an activist. 

“Who are you to decide what constitutes a believer, and who is a true believer. The police have failed me, and the government has failed me. I was told that there will be a law and order problem if we go up. Hence I was forced to return because I didn’t want to precipitate a law and order problem,” Rehana said.

Pandalam Royal family writes to Sabarimala priests, asks them to shut the temple if women try to enter shrine

The Pandalam Royal Family has written to the Sabarimala priests and the temple manamegemnt, asking them to lock the shrine if any more women try to force their way into the Sannidhanam.

‘Its your failure if women have turned back from shrine,’ third woman trying to visit shrine tells police 

Kerala: A woman devotee Mary Sweety returned midway after she was stopped by protesters at Pamba; says "I don't know about them ((journalist Kavitha Jakkal & woman activist Rehana Fatima). If women have returned, it is your drawback. I want to go there." #SabarimalaTemple pic.twitter.com/vzit2Skxqr

— ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018

Congress slams Left govt, Kerala Police for fuelling violence 

Lader of opposition Ramesh Chennithala has launched a scathing attack on the Kerala police. He said, “What is happening is very unfortunate. Priests having to stop their rituals to protest is unfortunate. Are these actually believers who are being escorted by police? A case should be filed against IG Sreejith. He has violated rules and laws.”  

“There have been so many Supreme Court orders that have still not been implemented. There have been instances where govt asked for more time. But this govt wants violence that’s why they jumped into this,” he said.

Kerala minister agrees law, women rights violated in Sabarimala, says protesters hired BJP goons 

Kerala minister EP Jayarajan told news channels that turning back women from the Sabarimala shrine was a violation of the law and women’s rights. He, however, blamed the BJP for the lapses and said that the protesters were not devotees but hooligans hired by the BJP and RSS. 

#BREAKING | Laws, including, rights of women have been violated. Protestors at #SabarimalaTemple are hooligans hired by @bjp4india and @rssorg to create ruckus at #Sabarimala: EP Jayarajan, Kerala Minister | #SabarimalaForAll #DadagiriOrDevotion

LIVE: https://t.co/DjbJFbx8T3 pic.twitter.com/c8mQqFqMJM

— News18 (@CNNnews18) October 19, 2018

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala accuses govt of helping BJP and RSS

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala accused the government of helping the BJP and RSS to create law and order problem. The government and the police are giving them fuel. The government had tried to complicate the issue from the beginning. The inept handling of the situation by the government and the police are responsible for the tense situation in the state. He said that the police remained inactive while protesters from the BJP stopped vehicles and checked them, but today they escorted activists to the shrine.

I am not an activist, want to pray to Lord Ayyappa, says third woman devotee trying to reach shrine

Mary, a 46-old woman, who works in Sharjah, has come forward to visit the temple without police protection. She said she is not an activist and had come to go to the temple with full devotion. She said that she had visited places of worship of all religions. Mary has not informed the police about her plan to go to the temple. She had come to Pampa with the intention of visiting the temple six months back but could not go. 

Mary, however, is not carrying the ‘irumudi’ which is pre-requisite for climbing the 18 holy steps.

Third woman reaches Pampa in efforts to take darshan, police tries to dissuade her 

Another women 46 year old Mary Sweety is now attempting to trek to Sabarimala. However, the state police trying to deter her because its so unsafe at the moment. The police personnel have asked her to remain inside the control room till the IGP returns. He will take a further call on whether to escort her or to ask her to go back.

 We were helpless, says Kerala IGP after requesting 2 women to turn back from shrine

Kerala IGP said that the police force were helpless in the face of the protest as using force was not an option.

“We had brought them (journalist Kavitha Jakkal and woman activist Rehana Fatima) till temple premises but tantri and priest refused to open temple for them. While we were waiting, tantri informed me that if we attempt to take the women ahead they would close the temple. It would have been a ritualistic disaster had the pooja stopped.” 

“We took them up to temple and gave them protection but ‘darshan’ is something which can be done with consent of priest. We will give them whatever protection they want on their way back,’ Kerala IG S Sreejith said.

Darshan resume in Sabarimala after two women decide to turn back from shrine 

The priests called off their protest after the two women who had almost made it to the shrine agreed to abort their journey. The protesting devotees also resumed the normal prayers after the women headed back to their homes.

Will take law in our hands if govt tries to escort another women to Sabarimala: BJP leader Surendran

Bharatiya Janata Party general secretary Surendran said that one of the women was given police shield and uniform. “Who has given this to the women. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan must explain. The government is trying to create provocation deliberately. They are challenging the Ayyappa devotees. The government is trying to implement its agenda. We will not allow this. Sabarimala is not a place for this,” Surendran said.

“If the government is trying to implement its agenda in Sabarimala we will prevent it even by taking law into our hand. The government had earlier said that it will not take any women to Sabarimala. It is now taking them even giving the police unifrom to a woman,” Surendran added.

Oppostion Leader Ramesh Chennithala meets the Governor

‘Giving up plan to enter shrine because my life is under threat,’ says second woman trying to enter shrine

The second woman trying to enter the shrine said that she was returning as there is a threat to her life and property. “My house at Kochi has been attacked. The situation at Sabarimala now is not suitable for the entry of women to the temple,” she told Mathrubhumi channel.

‘Happy with protection provided, will try to come back again,’ says journalist trying to enter shrine

While on her way back from Sabarimala, journalist Kavitha told CNN-News18 said that she was happy with the protection she got. She also said that she will try to come back later. 

“I am happy with the arrangements that we got. I feel that I am a winner. We will try to come back again,” Kavitha said. She said that the only reason she was turning back from the shrine was becasue there were small children also present there.

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala headed to meet the Governor now

Kerala IGP confirms two women trying to enter shrine won’t force entry, says they will be escorted back safely

The two women – a journalist and a devotee -who were stopped 500 metres away from the 18 holy steps have agreed to return back. The main priest have informed police that temple rituals will be closed if the women are allowed entry to the temple. The two women will receive police protection on their way back to the base camp. 

Kerala IGP Sreejith told media that the two women who reached the hill top have agreed to return without entering the temple. He said he had discussed with them the situation prevailing in the hill top and they agreed to cooperate. They have some concerns about returning. We will solve them and take them back safely

Two women en route shrine agree to turn around after hour-long showdown

The two women who were enroute the shrine have agreed to give up their journey. The police had requested them to abort their plan earlier as an unprecedented showdown ensued between the police and protesters. In fact the head priest had also threatened to shut down the temple had the women tried to force their way in.

Will shut down temple and pooja if women force their way into shrine, says head priest

The head priest of the Sabarimala temple told CNN-News18 that the he will be forced to lock down the temple and hand over the keys to the temple managers of women between the age group of 10 and 50 years try to force their way in.

“If women enter Sabarimala, then we will be forced to shut the Temple. I will walk out with the keys: Kandararu Rajeevaru,” Sabarimala Head Priest said.

The priests have completed the morning pooja, however, doubts looms large over whether the evening pooja can take place in view of the ongoing standoff.

Tamil Nadu BJP chief Tamilisai Soundararajan condemns ‘other religious fundamentalists’ for trying to destroy Hindu faith  

Sabarimala is a place of worship for believers not for non believers or social activists going there to destroy other's faith for decades . shocked to hear other religious fundamentalist ? trying to enter in the guise of activism or secularism hurting Hindus is condemnable,

— Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan (@DrTamilisaiGuv) October 19, 2018

Kerala governor summons DGP after standoff at shrine; priests join protest

Kerala governor Palanisamy Sathasivam called the state’s DGP Lokanath Behera for a meeting amid an ongoing standoff at the Sabarimala shrine. The DGP briefed the governor about the situation in a meeting that lasted almost 30 minutes.

35 priests descend the 18 steps to sit on unprecedented protest

At least 35 priests of the Sabarimala shrine are sitting in protest. The priests have not stopped the pooja in the temple, but all the assisting priests are sitting below the 18 holy steps to protest the women’s entry.

Two women enroute Sabarimala shrine asked to wait in office while police officials decide their next step

Pathanamthitta: Journalist Kavitha Jakkal of Hyderabad based Mojo TV and woman activist Rehana Fatima move to the office where the two have been called by Inspector General S Sreejith. #SabarimalaTemple pic.twitter.com/F4xFZieWOI

— ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018

Women activists shouldn’t come here just to prove a point: Kerala minister

Kerala Devaswom Board minister Kadakampally Surendran said that the shrine is only for devotees of Lord Ayyappa and activists should not use a place of worship only to make a point. He said that the state government was duty bound to give protection to true devotees wishing to visit the shrine.

Second woman en route shrine identified as Rehana Fathima; protesters attack her home in Kochi

The second women making her way to the Sabarimala shrine has been identified as activist Rehana Fathima. The woman’s house in the Panampilly Nagar in Kochi was vandalised by unidentified miscreants about an hour ago. The Kerala Police has reached her property and is in the process of dispersing the angry protester

Protesting devotees block sabarimala entrance; police tries to handle situation peacefully 

An angry group of Sabarimala devotees are, however, grouped at the entrance of the pathway that leads to the temple. The protesters lied down bare chest to stop the police party escorting women to the shrine. Following this, the Kerala IGP requested the devotees to remain calm. He said that we don’t want to do this by trampling upon you and promised the devotees to find an alternate solution. 

“Police will not create any issue in Sabarimala and we don’t want a confrontation with you devotees. We are only following the law. I will be discussing with the higher authorities and brief them on the situation: Inspector General S Sreejith to devotees,” he said.

Kerala govt makes U-turn, says not obliged to protect activists staging show of strength at shrine

Kerala Devaswom Board minister Kadakampally Surendran indicated that the police may fall back as he claimed that the govermnment had no obligation to protect the rights of activits. He said that while the Supreme Court judgment stands above everything else, the state was alos responsible for protecting the faith of its people. 

Surendran said that the state had no responsibility towrds activists merely trying to use the shrine as a place to stage their show of strength.

Kerala IG decides to pull back police party after consultation with government 

According to latest reports, the Kerala IGP consulted the government officials after the protesters refused to relent despite the police’s appeal. He said that we don’t want to trample upon you or hurt you in any way. 

“Police will not create any issue in Sabarimala and we don’t want a confrontation with you devotees. We are only following the law. I will be discussing with the higher authorities and brief them on the situation: Inspector General S Sreejith to devotees

Protesters unrelenting despite Kerala IGP’s appeal; police party decides to turn back

We are also Lord Ayyappa devotees, but must protect law and faith, says Kerala IGP appeals to protesters

“We are here to carry on the verdict of the Supreme Court. We are not here to harm you (devotees). So please cooperate with us. We are also Lord Ayyappa devotees but we have to protect faith and law too,” Kerala IGP appealed to protesters

Two women reach within 100 metres of Sabarimala shrine, a human barricade of 250 male devotees only barrier that lies in between

Historic moment at Sabarimala as 2 women reach near Nadapandhal 

An unprecedented moment is unfolding near the Sabarimala shrine as two women from the menstruating age group has reached Nadapandhal  just ahead of the small flight of stairs that finally lead to the Lord Ayyappa shrine. This is the farthest any woman between the age of 10 and 50 has managed to come since the Supreme Court allowed all women to access the shrine.

‘Won’t close shrine even if women enter’: Sabarimala tantri dismisses rumours but urges women not to violate tradition

The Sabarimala temple head priest, Kandaru Rajeevaru, on Thursday dismissed reports that the family planned to close down the Lord Ayyappa temple if women entered it to offer prayers, reported  Deccan Chronicle .  

However, the priest appealed to women belonging to the age group of 10-50 who were restricted as per the centuries-old traditions of the shrine, not to come to Sannidhanam.

Kerala finance minister Thomas Isaac blames BJP for blocking women’s entry to Sabarimala

Kerala finance minister Thomas Isaac has blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party for trying incite the ongoing showdown near the Sabarimala shrine. Speaking to India Today TV, Isaac said that at least 80 percent of the goons gathered near the shrine. 

He alleged that the real devotees are nowhere near the shrine, and the BJP, its youth wing and RSS cadre are actually converging near Sabarimala in huge numbers to incite violence.

Police remove Trivandrum-based devotee trying to block women’s entry to shrine

The Kerala Police has forcefully removed a Thiruvananthapuram-based devotee, who made an attempt to block the women. The devotee reportedly tried to lie down in the way of the police party trying to escort Kavitha, a woman journalist.

Visuals of devotees flocking towards shrine to stop women from entering temple premise

#Kerala: More visuals from Sannidhanam as protests against the entry of women of all age groups in #SabarimalaTemple continue. pic.twitter.com/GXWX6Zmvoy

— ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018

Mob of devotees likely to outnumber policemen soon, as merely 25 cops are stationed at shrine

A number of devotees from other states, who were enroute the shrine to offer their prayers, have also gathered to block the women trekking up to the hill shrine. However, even as the women were being escorted by a major party, things may go out of hand at the shrine as here were just around 25 policemen camping at the temple. 

With inputs from Naveen Nair and TK Devasia

Protesters begin converging near shrine as word about women trekking to Sannidhanam spreads

Word that two women, a journalist and a devotee, are trying to trek up to the hill shrine, scores of Lord Ayyappa devotees have begin converging around the shrine. While some protesters are moving towards the woman — who are around Marakoottam, 2 km away from the shrine — another group is about to enter the temple and will try to block their entry.

#Kerala: Visuals from Sannidhanam as protests opposing the entry of women of all age groups in #SabarimalaTemple continue. Protesters say "No woman between 10-50 years of age will enter here. We are protecting Sabarimala." pic.twitter.com/WrnQKFXOGY

— ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018

Huge police party escorts two women trying to reach Sannidhanam

A big police party is taking Kavita and another woman devotee to the Sannidhanam. The police personnel have formed a ring protectig the two women, in case some devotees try to attack them. Kavitha is also wearing anti-riot gear, however, the Kochi-based devotee is dressed in the traditional attire.

Traditionalists caught off guard as two women proceed to Sannidhanam amid heavy police presence

Kavitha, who landed at Pampa base camp on Thursday, had asked the police to enable her to climb in the night itself. However, since it was not safe at night police advised her to begin the climb by 6 am in the morning. Kavitha is is just 2.5 kilometres away from the shrine. 

The devotees protesting against women’s entry, however, were caught off guard, as only a handful of protesters were present at Pamba and they did not expect anyone to start the trek that early in the morning.

Kochi woman enroute Sabarimala shrine

Another woman under the age of 50 is trying to reach the Sannidhanam. Donning the traditional black robes and irumudi on her head, the woman has reached Sabarideepam, a place merely 2 kilometres from the main temple. However, unlike the Andhra journalist, this devotee does not seem to be wearing the protection gear.

Woman journalist enroute Sannidhanam amid heavy police protection

Kavita, an Andhra Pradesh-based journalist, is at the moment climbing her way to Sabarimala under tremendous police protection. She is wearing complete police riot gear including helmets. Inspector General of Police S Sreejith is leading the police party. She claims she wants to report from Sannidhanam. 

Kavita works for an online mobile journalism portal, Mojo, and she is under 50 years of age.

Hartal imposed in Kerala after protests at Sabarimala temple, state prepares for potential violent encounters

Kerala is experiencing a statewide shutdown since Wednesday after various Hindu outfits called for a hartal in protest against the Supreme Court’s decision to allow women of all age groups to enter the Sabarimala temple.

Buses and auto-rickshaws stayed off the road on Thursday. However, stray incidents of stone-pelting on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses were reported from some parts of the state, police said. However, private vehicles were plying in some areas.

Police has also imposed Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) Section 144 in four places including Pamba, Sannidhanam to check any kind of protest and violence.