Sabarimala stir in TN: 100 held, shops shut, no buses

The entry of the two women below 50 in Lord Ayyappa’s shrine in Sabarimala on Wednesday has sparked violent protests not only in Kerala, but the inferno has spread in Coimbatore and Nilgiris as well.

The Ernakulam-Hyderabad train was delayed in Coimbatore after Hindu Makkal Katchi cadre held a rail roko. More than 100 members attempted to block the train but police prevented their entry and arrested them. A few members still managed to sneak in.

The BJP’s advocate wing protested in front of the court premises and burnt a portrait of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Hanuman Sena members also staged a protest in front of the District Collector’s office. Pallavaram police filed an FIR against BJP workers who burnt posters of Vijayan in front of the police station.

Around 25 bus services were suspended. Commuters faced hardships as buses bound to Palakkad, Thrissur and Malappuram districts have not been operational since Tuesday night from Pollachi, Gandhipuram and Ukkadam bus terminuses. Similarly, lorries laden with vegetables, flowers, industrial goods were stopped at Walayar and other check posts. Police maintained tight vigil in all the 13 check posts in the district.

In Gudalur, all shops remained closed following a bandh called by the local unit of BJP. Shopkeepers commenced business only after 5 pm.