On eve of temple reopening, uneasy calm at Sabarimala

A massive security measures have been taken at the Sabarimala hill shrine in Kerala ahead of ‘Chithira Aattathirunal’ to be celebrated on Tuesday. It will be open on Monday evening for the occasion.

The sacred grove of Sabarimala, situated in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, as well the base camps of Pampa and Nilackal, have been brought under strict vigil against the backdrop of the on-going agitation by various Hindu organisations opposing the Supreme Court’s verdict permitting women of all ages to the forest shrine, reports The Hindu.

An uneasy calm prevailed in Sabarimala and surrounding areas on Sunday with rumours that woman activists and ultra-left-wing organisations were planning a visit in the next two days.

The Sangh Parivar and Hindu organisations too have stepped up vigil against the possible entry of women in the restricted age group with police protection.

However, the police and the district administration have denied the reports that a few women have already sought protection for undertaking the pilgrimage on Monday and Tuesday.

The heavy police deployment at Sannidhanam (the deity’s abode in the hillock), besides Pampa in the foothills and at the base camp of Nilackal, has put the entire area on edge. Even media persons were denied entry to Pampa and Sannidhanam till Sunday afternoon for security reasons.

As many as 1,500 police personnel have been deployed at Sannidhanam alone under the direct control of Inspector General MR Ajithkumar.

On Sunday, the police permitted media persons to proceed to Pampa from Nilackal by 8.30 pm after strong protests.

However, the crew of television channels were not permitted to take their OB vans beyond Pampa-Triveni at Pampa, ultimately denying permission for live telecast from the Pampa Ganapati temple premises and from the Neelimala-bottom.

Extra security has been called in after violent protests last month against women who tried to enter the temple following a Supreme Court order ending the ban on women of menstrual age, or between 10 and 50 years, entering the shrine dedicated to celibate god Lord Ayyappa. This is the second time the hilltop temple will open for devotees since the court order in September.