#SabarimalaForAll: Two-women, on verge of scripting history, couldn't enter shrine
What's the story
Two women (including a journalist) who were on the verge of scripting history as they started the trek to reach the Sabarimala temple of Lord Ayyappa in Kerala on Friday, returned midway.
After an hour-long showdown, police asked the women to return and they agreed.
Over 100 policemen shielded the women from a sea of protesters during their 5-km long trek.
Here's what happened.
Twitter Post
Female devotees agreed to return, says police
Kerala: Journalist Kavitha Jakkal of Hyderabad based Mojo TV and woman activist Rehana Fatima are now returning from Sabarimala. Kerala IG says "We have told the female devotees about the situation, they will now be going back. So we are pulling pack. They have decided to return" pic.twitter.com/IO9TwcEj5V
— ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018
Context
SC opens temple's gates for all, protest rages on
Last month, the Supreme Court lifted the centuries-old ban on women's entry in the temple, saying it is discriminatory. The apex court ruled women of all ages can enter the temple, triggering widespread protests in the southern state.
Since Wednesday, no woman has managed to enter the temple.
Two New York Times journalists were forced to return after protests gained momentum.
The women
Minister says temple open for all, but not activists
The two women who began the trek are journalist Kavitha Jakkal of Hyderabad-based Mojo TV and woman activist Rehana Fathima.
Devasom Board Minister Kadamkapally Surendran said the temple is open for all but not activists.
"I understand today it's activists who have tried to undertake the trek towards the shrine. The government cannot pre-decide whether it is activist or people," he said.
Protests
Women were forced to return after threats and intimidation
At the base camps of Nilakkal and Pamba, the protests turned ugly in the recent days. Women who attempted the trek were forced to return after threats and intimidation.
Vehicles were vandalized and journalists were attacked by those who did not want women to enter the temple.
Amid the furor, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan blamed RSS for instigating violence and disrupting normalcy.
Police's stand
IG tells protesters they have to implement SC's order
This morning a large police contingent under IG Sreejith attempted to quell the protesters' fury and told them they had to follow orders of the Supreme Court.
"I know you are devotees of Ayyappa. We are also devotees of Ayyappa. But we have been bound to follow and implement the law. You must allow us to implement the law," he told protesters.
Protesters
Are all Supreme Court orders followed, asks protester
On IG's plea, one protester allegedly said he was ready to die to for his Lord, and wouldn't allow women in the shrine.
43-year-old Jayarajan from Perinthalmanna in north Kerala is among those protesting against the SC order. He asked about the attention given to Sabarimala.
"Are all Supreme Court verdicts being followed? What about underpaid nurses in Kerala?What about the Jacobite Church-row?" he asked.