The issue of women’s entry into the Sabarimala temple shrine has created a tense situation in Sabarimala, Nilakkal and Pamba, with right-wing protesters turning violent and attacking women.
The police arrested seven members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Yuva Morcha, under Section 144 (unlawful assembly) on Friday, reported The News Minute. The men, dressed as devotees, arrived at a check-post in upper Pamba. They started singing praises of Lord Ayyappa and were soon joined by other men.
When the police asked them to disperse citing Section 144, the men dressed as devotees revealed that they were a part of the BJP youth wing. The men resisted arrest while shouting slogans such as “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” The police found that the devotee’s bag that the men carried, irumudikettu, also did not contain any pooja items.
Agitation at the shrine complex and nearby areas including the base camps, Nilakkal and Pamba had intensified since the shrine was opened for the five-day monthly puja on October 17. Section 144 was imposed in Pamba, Nilakkal, Sannidhanam and Elavungal, following violent protests by right-wing groups in which several women including journalists were attacked.
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(With inputs from PTI)