India
An estimated half a million devotees throng Sabarimala every year for darshan on the auspicious day. In 2011, 104 devotees, who had come to witness the Makara Jyothi, were killed and over 40 devotees were injured when a jeep ploughed into the pilgrims at Pulmedu, Kerala. While some of the victims died on the spot after getting trapped under the wheels of the jeep, the accident created panic among the devotees, resulting in stampede.
Kochi: The special commissioner said to the Kerala high court that it would be difficult to provide security for women on Makara Vilakku day (January 14), which is considered auspicious in Sabarimala. The special commissioner mentioned this while the high court was considering 15 petitions over Sabarimala issue.
An estimated half a million devotees throng Sabarimala every year for darshan on the auspicious day. In 2011, 104 devotees, who had come to witness the Makara Jyothi, were killed and over 40 devotees were injured when a jeep ploughed into pilgrims at Pulmedu, Kerala. While some of the victims died on the spot after getting trapped under the wheels of the jeep, the accident created panic among the devotees, resulting in stampede.
Meanwhile, the high court said that the state government may not have a secret agenda, but those with an agenda should be identified. If the government doesn't have the capability to find them, then the court will appoint a new agency from outside, said the high court. The high court also pointed out that Sabarimala is only for devotees and not for others.
According to sources, the Sangh Parivar is preparing to arrange a full range of services in Sabarimala as there are only a few days left for Makara Vilakku. It is alleged that their aim is to prevent women of menstruating age to enter the Sabarimala temple. Unconfirmed reports say that nearly sixty activists have been deployed from Pamba to Sannidhanam as part of this plan.
Earlier, Kerala chief minister Pinaray Vijayan also stated that the BJP wants to destroy law and order of the state and that 92% of the violence was carried out by the Sangh Parivar in the region. The chief minister also mocked Sangh Parivar by saying that the party won't get any protection in Kerala like the other states.
BJP hit back, claiming that Vijayan is not capable of handling the problems of the state and thus, he is making unnecessary comments on the Sangh Parivar.
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