SABARIMALA: As the third day of Thulam Pooja at Sabarimala temple got over, the writing on the wall seemed to be clear for young women who wanted to make it to Sannidhanam and have darshan. Half-a-dozen females, in the 10-50 age group, who tried to reach the hill shrine, had to call off their trip somewhere along the journey and return due to strong protests from devotees. The temple will close on Monday.
Kerala Dalit Mahila Federation president S P Manju, 37, hailing from Chathannoor, Kollam, was the latest to cancel her trek from Pampa to Sabarimala.Madhavi, who identified herself as a devotee from East Godavari in Andhra Pradesh, was the first to return on October 17, the day when the temple opened. Delhi-based New York Times journalist Suhasini Raj too had to retreat after going some distance. On Friday the maximum number of women (three) tried to make their way up, but Mary Sweety of Thiruvananthapuram, activist Rehana Fathima of Kochi and online journalist Kavitha Jakkal of Hyderabad failed to breach the protestors' barrier. Manju, who reached Pampa in a KSRTC bus around 3 pm, insisted on proceeding to Sabarimala, but senior police officers soon briefed her about the prevalent volatile situation and the inclement weather following heavy downpour.
After nearly three hours of discussion, Manju agreed to drop her plan and return. Inspector General S Sreejith said she decided to cancel her trek due to bad weather. Other police officers said nearly 15 criminal cases were pending against her in connection with various other incidents and they were also checking whether any arrest warrant was pending.
Earlier on Saturday, Latha Kumareshan from Theni, Tamil Nadu, had to convince the protestors she was 52, after they stopped her at the Nadapandal suspecting her age. She was later allowed to conduct darshan under police security.
Meanwhile, Hindu outfits and the BJP have made it clear they would continue with their protest against the Supreme Court verdict till the devotees get justice.
WOMAN AT HEART
Miscreants vandalise the house of S P Manju at Chathanoor, hours after she attempted to trek
The Jamaath State Council expels Rehana Fatima from Muslim community
A nine-year-old girl from Madurai, TN, enters the holy shrine holding a placard saying she will return after she turns 50
6 women have failed in their attempts so far