Sabarimala row: Protest continues, women devotees step back

Third day since the gates of Sabarimala temple were thrown open to women of all ages, Journalist Kavitha Jakkal of Hyderabad based Mojo TV and woman activist Rehana Fatima marched towards the Sabarimala temple on Friday. But they were forced to head back midway after facing protest from the devotees of Lord Ayyappa. Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Friday opposed the entry of journalist Kavitha Jakkal of Hyderabad based Mojo TV and activist Rehana Fatima inside the Sabarimala temple, and also condemned the putting on of police uniform. Ramesh Chennithala said, “We met the Governor and explained to him the current situation. Not only Hindus but people from all religions are going there. Everyone is worried. The woman activist (Rehana Fatima) was given a police uniform. It was wrong.” “Sabarimala is not a tourist spot, only devotees go there. Right now what Kerala police is doing is wrong. Had there been our government we would've handled the situation better. We would've talked to devotees; there would've been no violence,” he added.