Sabarimala, Nov 6: Protest erupted over the confusion of devotee's age on Tuesday. Reporters and media have been attacked during protests at Sabarimala Temple.
Amrita TV cameraman Biju, injured during protests and crew of CNN-News18 were attacked.
Protests turned violent over Lalitha, a devotee from Thrissur who had come to the temple with her son. The clashes died down only after the police confirmed that she is 52 and so, allowed to visit the shrine that is off limits for women of a menstrual age, or between 10 and 50 years.
The protest erupted a day after the gates of Sabarimala temple were opened amid unprecedented security. Around 2,000 police personnel under an additional general of police and two inspector generals have been lined up for security.
It is set to open again today for the "Sree Chitira Atta Thirunal" puja to mark the birth anniversary of the last king of the princely state of Travancore Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma.
Yesterday, a 25-year-old woman, heading for the shrine with her husband and two children, was stopped at Pamba, the base camp from where devotees start the trek to the hill top shrine. "We have information a woman on way to the temple but nobody has approached us so far for security," a police official at Pamba told news agency PTI on Monday.
Fresh protests intensified around Sabarimala temple as the shrine to Lord Ayappa got ready to open its doors for hundreds of devotees gathered at the shrine.
The temple opened on Monday evening for the special "Sree Chitira Atta Thirunal" puja today, marking the birthday of the last king of Travancore -- Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma
Fifty-two-year-old Lalitha, along with her son was escorted by cops on her visit. "I am not afraid, I want darshan of Lord Ayyappa," Lalithaa told reporters.
Lalitha, a 52-year-old woman devotee from Thrissur, whose entry to Sabarimala Temple was opposed by protesters, offered prayers at the temple under police protection. She had come along with her family.
Kerala: Amrita TV cameraman Biju, injured during protests at #SabarimalaTemple over the entry of a woman devotee pic.twitter.com/ZbOqsbXS6u
— ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2018
Amrita TV cameraman Biju, injured during protests at #SabarimalaTemple over the entry of a woman devotee
It may be recalled that the shrine was opened from October 17 for the monthly puja, but it witnessed violent protests. Several women made failed attempts to offer prayers amid police protection. There were nearly 500 cases registered in connection with violent protests and 3,000 persons had been arrested.