Fresh violence erupted in Kerala after news of Sasikala from Sri Lanka climbing the 18 steps and entering Sabarimala surfaced. The temple traditions and sentiments of devotees should be respected, said Sri Sri Ravishankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation, requesting people not to indulge in violence.
Pathanamthitta: Women's entry into Sabarimala has led to violence and death of one person due to stone pelting. With Kerala turning into a battleground, spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravishankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation, has requested people to refrain from acts of violence.
"It's a pity that Kerala, a state known for progress and communal harmony, is burning. I call on everyone to keep calm and refrain from acts of violence. We have to wait for the Supreme Court's decision on the review petition," said Ravishankar.
"When the Sabarimala matter is sub judice, no action should have been taken that would cause heartburn and turmoil in our society. While Kerala has not left any stone unturned for its women empowerment, the temple traditions and sentiments of devotees should be respected," he added.
Today, fresh violence erupted after news of Sasikala from Sri Lanka climbing the 18 steps and entering Sabarimala surfaced. However, Sasikala had told the media that she was denied entry by the police. Later, a CCTV video of her entering the shrine was released that caused furore. It was alleged that chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the cops had asked Sasikala to mention that she was denied entry inside temple keeping her security and safety in mind.
Three people were injured, one of them seriously, when a country-made bomb exploded near Kuttiyadi police station limits. Kerala has been experiencing crude bomb explosions in various places in Mallapuram and Pattanamthitta.
In other incidents of violence, BJP office in Kannur was set on fire. CPI(M) and BJP members clashed against each other, shops were burnt at Adoor in Pattanamthitta district.
Read Exclusive COVID-19 Coronavirus News updates, at MyNation.