Sabarimala row Highlights: Section 144 imposed in 2 more areas, extended till October 22

Section 144 has been extended till October 22. The prohibition has been imposed in two more areas, Plapally and Laha. On October 18, Section 144 was declared in four places including Pamba, Sannidhanam.

6:26 pm IST

Police want extension of Section 144

Police ask Pathnamthitta district collector to extend Section 144, which was initially declared for three days. They want the prohibition to be extended as the situation is getting grave.

6:00 pm IST

Congress, BJP decry Kerala CM’s absence from the state

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan is on three day visit to UAE to collect money for relief after floods. Both Congress and BJP have decried his absence.

5:06 pm IST

Protesting devotees detained by police in Pamba

Police detain protesting devotees in Pamba.

#Kerala: Police in Pamba detain Lord Ayyapaa devotees protesting against entry of women of all ages in #SabarimalaTemple pic.twitter.com/0ySJjh1nmr

— ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018

4:48 pm IST

Temple board to file affidavit in SC detailing Sabarimala situation

Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) meeting is over. It decided to file an affidavit in Supreme Court citing the grave situation prevailing at the temple, says TDB president A Padmakumar.

We are not there to play politics. We are committed to protect believers,” he says.

It is not a review petition but will detail facts and current situation at Sabarimala.

The board will also submit a report in high court, he says, adding the situation is really grave.

3:50 pm IST

Centre’s advisory to 3 southern states

Centre has asked the southern states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to tighten security in view of the continuing protests.

“All necessary precautionary measures may be taken to maintain law and order and appropriate security arrangements may be made to prevent any untoward incident,” the advisory, sent by the internal security division of the home ministry, said.

The advisory said appropriate prohibitory orders be issued and a close watch may be kept on dissemination of “adverse information” through social media and internet services, to ensure that no breach of law and order takes place.

3:37 pm IST

Devotees being misled by BJP and Congress: CPI(M)

“We are not against believers. They are being misled by BJP and Congress. We don’t want Sabarimala to become a battle ground,” says CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.

“Sangh parivar outfits trying to foment trouble. They even trying to communalise police and target officials carrying out their duty,” he says.

“Party will organise family meets and house to house campaign to make people aware of ground situation,” says Balakrishnan.

2:41pm IST

‘In name of devotees, other elements causing discord’

CPM leader Sitaram Yeschury says efforts are being made to disrupt social harmony. In the name of harmony, other elements are causing discord, he adds. “Those disturbing law and order will be dealt with,” says Yechury.

2:35pm IST

Kerala govt doing its job, says CPM

CPI (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury defends the Left-led government in Kerala by saying it is doing its job. He further says there is a duplicity in the BJP which supported the Supreme Court verdict and the devotees.

1:30pm IST

Travancore Devaswom Board calls for meeting at 3pm

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has called for a meeting at 3pm to discuss the ongoing row over allowing women into the Sabarimala temple. TDB president A Padmakumar says he’s open to a discussion.

1:20pm IST

Activist Fathima says devotees didn’t disrupt peace, people did

“People, not devotees, who want to disrupt peace didn’t allow us to enter. I want to know what was the reason. Tell me, in which way one needs to be a devotee. You tell me that and then I will tell you if I’m a devotee or not,” activist Rahana Fathima says after climbing down. After Fathima was identified, two bike-borne men reportedly attacked her house. “I don’t know what happened to my children. My life is also in danger. But they (police) have said that they will provide protection. That is why I am going back (home),” she adds.

12:30pm IST

‘What Kerala police are doing is 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,” says Congress leader R Chennithala.

11:20am IST

People of all religions going to Sabarimala, says Congress

The Congress launches a strong attack over Sabarimala row. “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,” says leader Ramesh Chennithala

12:11pm IST

Congress seeks action against police

The Congress party sought action against Inspector general of police S Sreejith for hurting sentiments of devotees by allowing women till the Patthinettam padi, the 18 holy steps that lead to the temple. Of the two women, one was an activist, Rahana Fathima.

11:57am IST

Both women reach base camp in Pambha

Both women, journalist Kavitha Jakkal and activist Rehana Fathima, have returned to base camp in Pambha. They will be escorted to their destinations with police protection.

11:45am IST

Ritualistic disaster, says top cop

Inspector General of Police S Sreejith, who accompanied the two women up to the Pathinettam padi, calls the attempt a “ritualistic disaster”. “We took them up to temple and gave them protection but darshan is something which can be done (only) with consent of priest. We will give them (women) whatever protection they want,” he tells news agency ANI.

11:39am IST

One more woman comes forward to trek to temple

A 46-year-old approaches police about trekking up to Sabarimala temple. Police warn her they can’t provide protection. The woman, identified as Mary Sweety, is taken to the control room.

11:26am IST

BJP attacks govt, police

BJP general secretary K Surendran criticises government for the row at Sabarimala. Says the issue has taken a communal turn due to activist Rahana Fathima’s actions. “It is a move against Hindus... Who enacted this drama? Government or police,” he further questions.

11:09am IST

Women begin climb down, priests call off protest

The woman journalist and activist head back down the hill after police talk to priests and devotees.

10:47am IST

Police say women won’t enter temple, to go back

Inspector general announces that women will be taken back amid protection. The announcement comes after head priest Tantri Rajeevaru Kandarau threatened to close the temple and quit.

10:46am IST

Ready to dump position, says Tantri

“I can’t withstand such a moment. I have already taken decision... I respect Supreme Court verdict but I am with devotees. No ill will against anyone. I am helpless. I am ready to dump my position,” says Tantri Rajeevaru Kandarau. He also asks devotees to exercise utmost restraint.

10:38am IST

Head priest says he will shut temple if women enter

Temple head priest, Tantri Rajeevaru Kandarau calls today a “most painful day”. “I told everyone if women enter holy steps, I will close the temple and I will go back to my house. I am with devotees. I can’t be a part of violation of temple rituals,” he says. Religious rituals have been disrupted for an hour.

10:35am IST

Temple minister admits lapse

Temple minister Kadakampally Surendran admits lapse over activist being allowed. Had earlier said temple is not a place for activists.

10:25am IST

Governor summons DGP over Sabarimala standoff

Director General of Police summoned by Governor Sathasivam.

10:16am IST

Protests erupting in other parts of the state

As the standoff continues at the foot of the Pathinettam padi – the 18 steps that lead to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple – protests are erupting in Calicut and Kochi.

10:12am IST

Temple priests join protests

Priests stage dharna, affecting temple rituals for the first time. Temple priests have so far never disrupted the temple’s routine, even carrying on during floods. The two women are 500 m away from the sanctum sanctorum, about a 10 minute walk to the shrine.

10:03am IST

Opposition hits out at Kerala govt

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala criticises government, says it is playing with fire.

9:57am IST

Temple minister criticises police

“Police should have checked antecedents of the women before escorting them,” says temple minister Kadakampally Surendran.

9:45am IST

Activist Rehana Fathima refuses to leave

As police attempt to negotiate the women’s entry to the temple, activist Rehana Fathima refuses to turn back. She says she undertook the 41 day fast devotees usually do and wants to enter the Sabarimala temple.

9:40am IST

House of one of the women attacked

One of the women attempting to enter the temple has been identified as Rehana Fathima, an activist involved in several movements including the Kiss of Love campaign. Two bike-borne people attacked her house in Kochi, police sources said.

9:36am IST

Speculation over whether women will turn back

As impasse continues, it appears police might have to take the women back without entering the temple. This is the closest any menstrual women has reached the hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa.

9:33am IST

BJP leader arrested in Nilakkal

BJP leader Shohba Surendran arrested in Nilakkal for defying section 144, which prohibits assembly of more than five people in a public place.

9:24am IST

Temple affairs minister says temple not a place for activists

Temple affairs minister Kadakampally Surendran says temple is not a place for activists.

9:20am IST

Standoff between police and protesters continue

Protesters continue to block women’s path to the holy steps of the temple that lead to the sanctum sanctorum. The 18 holy steps mark the final leg of the pilgrimage to the Sabarimala temple.

9:07am IST

Devotees chant hymns as they hold a sit-in dharna

Hundreds of devotees, including children, have sat down in the space leading to the temple’s holy steps. They are chanting Lord Ayyappa’s name and hymns.

9:02am IST

Kerala govt tells police to ensure no use of force

Government directs inspector general to ensure no police action or use of force. The two women are waiting at the base of temple.

9am IST

Women stop approach 500m from temple

The women have reached the Nada Panthal, the point where from the holy steps lead up to the shrine.

8:51am IST

Police attempt to reason with devotees blocking path

Inspector general of police S Sreejith talks to protesting mob blocking their path. Says police are duty-bound to enforce law. “We are not here to hurt your sentiments,” says the Sreejith. Protestors not ready to move.

8:40am IST

Devotees slowly turning violent

People are beginning to violently protest. The Pandalam family ask the temple head priest, called the tantri, to close the temple doors as the women get closer.

8:30am IST

Police warn of stampede

Situation gets very tense in Sabarimala as any violent outbreak poses danger to everyone. The trekking path to the temple has deep gorges. Trying to push protestors out of the way could cause many casualties both among devotees and police personnel.

8:20am IST

Second woman also making the climb

Police are escorting a second woman trekking up the mountain. Neither of the women’s identity has been revealed to ensure their safety.

8:16am IST

Woman crosses three-fourth of the distance

The journalist has come the closest to the temple than any woman of menstrual age so far. However, situation has become tense as devotees attempt to clock their path. Children among the devotees. Police warn of a stampede.

7:50 am IST

Path to temple clearer after police move protesters

Police moved devotees camping at the hilltop over the night to ensure security. Devotees on Thursday had lay on the ground in front of another woman making the trek to block her from climbing the hill.

7:40 am IST

Journalist crosses first mountain range

The woman journalist has crossed Neeli Mala, the first mountain range. She has two more steep ranges to cross. The situation has remained peaceful so far.

7:25 am IST

Journalist in police uniform, 150 cops form guard

The woman journalist has so far trekked 5 kms. Reports say she is in a police uniform and riot gear to camouflage her. She is accompanied by around 150 policemen who have formed a three-ring protection.

7:20 am IST

Woman journalist treks to Sabarimala temple

A woman journalist from Andhra treks to Sabarimala temple under police protection. The trek to the temple is a 5-kilometre stretch.