Delhi-based New York Times journalist Suhasini Raj on the way to Sabarimala
In a blatant attempt to break the age-old customs in Sabarimala to set a precedent for future, CPM Government unleashes the police on devotees, turns Sabarimala into a battlefield
Today Kerala is under hartal called for by Sabarimala Karma Samiti, an apex body of the Hindu organisations pledged to force the government to reinstate temple traditions. RSS-inspired organisations are the prominent constituents of the body. Hartal is total and peaceful.
A major incident reported from Sabarimala is the attempt of Suhasini (46), reporter of New York Times to reach Sannidhanam, the premises of the main shrine. Due to strong protests from the devotees, she went back sans any more attempt. Reportedly, the Police have registered a case against the devotees in this regard.
However, refuting reports that she was ‘forced’ to return, Inspector General of Police Manoj Abraham told ANI that she was “not forced to go back, she went back”.
It was a blatant attempt of the government and CPM to make sure that traditions are violated so that they can cite it is as a precedent in the days to come.
P N Narayana Varma, executive member of the Pandalam Palace members committee told the media that anti-social elements had infiltrated into the crowd of the devotees and they unleashed violence on Police on October 17. Police resorted cruel torture against the devotees who were innocent and chanting prayers.
TV visuals showed police constables breaking the car windows and felling the parked two-wheelers. They went to the extent of removing the pandals made for the bhajan yajna.
In the meantime, Thanthri (chief priest) family informed that if violation takes place purifying ritual will have to be conducted.
Bharatiya Yuva Morcha workers carried out a march in Nilakkal protesting against converting the protestors’ pandal into police control room. The police are all geared up to attack the demonstrators.
