Widespread protests in Kerala following arrest of Sabarimala pilgrims at Sannidhanam

NILACKAL: Protests erupted in various parts of the state following the arrest of over 80 pilgrims at Sannidhanam who violated prohibitory orders and assembled at Nadapanthal on Sunday. BJP activists and members of Sabarimala karma samithi are gathering in front of police stations and are staging 'nama japa' protests (chanting of mantras). The protesters also marched to cliff house, official residence of Kerala chief minister in Thiruvananthapuram. They were blocked by police at Nanthencode.



Protests are likely to spread to other parts of the state. Police are on high alert following the outbreak of protests. The devotees who were arrested from Sannidhanam were shifted from Pampa in two buses. Pampa came under heavy police cover after the pilgrims had been arrested. The police are shifting protesters under the leadership of Sabarimala CI.




Pilgrim movement came to a complete halt at Sabarimala. The police had blocked movement of pilgrims from Pampa to Sannidhanam from 9pm. Bus service from Nilackal was also halted from 8pm. The service which ought to have resumed from 12am continues to be halted following the arrest of pilgrims at Sannidhanam. The police have reportedly halted pilgrim movement to negate further protests and chances of assembly of pilgrims at Pampa. Pilgrims have been stranded at Nilackal since 8pm.