Sabarimala row: BJP protests outside CM's residence; police use water canon, tear gas shells to disperse protesters

Thiruvananthapuram: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in Kerala conducted a protest march towards Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's residence over the Sabarimala issue on Sunday. Following this, police used water canon and tear gas shells to disperse protesters.

Kerala: BJP workers conduct protest march towards Chief Minister's residence over #Sabarimala issue. Police use water canon and tear gas shells to disperse protesters. pic.twitter.com/Q4TPG5WQDm

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2018

On Saturday, the Pathanamthitta district administration extended prohibitory orders issued under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) imposed in and around Sabarimala temple areas till the midnight of December 12. Section 144 prohibits assembly of more than four people in an area. 

As per the decision of the Pathanamthitta district administration, Sabarimala, Elavungal, Nilakkal, Pamba, and Sannidhanam will be under the purview of the police control for four more days.

Earlier, the police had submitted a report to the district collector, seeking to extend the prohibitory orders until January 14. The police on Saturday arrested BJP leaders including its state unit vice-president N Shivarajan for breaching prohibitory orders at Nilakkal.

Around 69 people were arrested in November after they allegedly violated Section 144 imposed in the vicinity of the temple.

A string of protests has been witnessed in the state after the Supreme Court's verdict allowing women of all age groups to enter the Lord Ayappa shrine. Till Saturday, no women in the 10-50 age group has succeeded in offering prayers at the shrine as various people have been protesting against the court`s decision.

(Witn inputs from agencies)