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Sabarimala row UPDATES: Manithi team returns after strong protests

Local television channels said they had to face protests at various places on their way but they managed to reach Pamba.
Women group at Pamba amid tight police security waiting to trek their way to the holy shrine. (Photo | Special Arrangement)
Women group at Pamba amid tight police security waiting to trek their way to the holy shrine. (Photo | Special Arrangement)
Online Desk

Tension prevailed at Pamba, the foothills of the Lord Ayyappa Temple in Kerala, on Sunday morning as a group of 11 women below the age of 50 years, tried to trek the hilltop shrine, even as devotees protested against the move.

Though they attempted to trek through the traditional forest path, about five kilometres from the temple complex, they could not go forward as devotees started 'namajapa' (chanting of hymns of the lord) to protest against them. [READ FULL REPORT]

Defying prohibitory orders invoked in place, hundreds of devotees gathered here chanting Ayyappa hymns aloud.

Women, in the age group of 10-50 years, are traditionally barred from entering the Sabarimala temple.

But the SC, through its September 28 landmark verdict, lifted the curb and permitted women of all age groups to offer prayers at the temple.

Manithi team members retract, moving to Nilakkal in police protection.

Owing to strong protest Maniti team retracts, takes shelter at police control room. 

Manithi team is proceeding towards Sannidhanam in police protection.

Police mediation reportedly fails as Manithi team says they will not return without visiting the shrine.

Kerala Chief Minister behind Maniti rationalists' visit to Sabarimala, says BJP. 

More devotees assemble at Pampa in protest against Maniti team. Police arresting anti-Maniti protesters. 

Maniti team say they will not climb the hill without police protection and will approach the Supreme Court if police fail to give protection 

BJP and Sabarimala Karma Samithi members protesting against Maniti team near Cliff House, Kerala Chief Minister's residence.. 

Police controlling vehicle movement to Sabarimala at Erumely base camp

Citing heavy rush, police deny protection to the Maniti team.

 A Dalit activist from Wayanad, Ammunition, has also joined the women team. She declared that she wants to offer prayers at the temple.

Selvi, who leads the women devotee team, made clear that they will not go back on their own. She, however, added that if the police say that they cannot provide security, the team will withdraw. 

The police say there could be security issues if the women team is taken to Sannidhanam. As per available reports, the police will wait till the team goes back.

The police may not take the Maniti team to Sannidhanam. It's learnt that the police have expressed their inability to provide security to the team in view of the heavy rush of devotees. Meanwhile, more devotees are joining the protestors.

The monitoring panel comprising two retired High Court judges and one serving DGP is currently in Sabarimala. 

 Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran said the matter will be brought to the attention of the High Court appointed monitoring panel. The government will follow the decision taken by the monitoring panel, he said.

In yet another development, the Pandalam Royal family alleged that the government is trying to disrupt peace in the hill shrine. He also expressed doubts whether the team of women devotees has naxal links.

Pathanamthitta district magistrate has extended Section 144 till 27th December. The order 144 prohibits unlawful gathering and protest between Elavungal and Sannidanam. (ANI) 

Kerala: Group of women devotees reached Pampa base camp in the early morning hours to trek to #SabarimalaTemple, said, "Please give us way, we will visit the temple and return back soon."  (ANI)

Pamba
Sabarimala protests
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