Women journalists covering protests outside Sabarimala temple attacked, NCW takes cognizance

Nilakkal: Protesters opposing the entry of women in the 10-50 age group to the Sabarimala temple on Wednesday attacked journalists covering the stand-off. At least two female reporters were injured when the protesters turned to the media vans to attack them. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken cognizance of the attack. A meeting is underway at the NCW office to deliberate on the next step of action. 

Police had to use lathis on the protestors after they resorted to violence. The police action further enraged the protesters, who smashed the window panes of a police vehicle which was carrying away the injured female journalists. The protesters chased out another female journalist, working for a news portal, from a bus headed to the temple town.

Activists belonging to political parties as well as Hindu groups have been protesting against the Supreme Court verdict allowing entry of all women at the Sabarimala temple, reversing a long-standing tradition. 

The demonstrators used force against women who were trying to enter the shrine despite police assurances that no one will be prevented from taking part in the pilgrimage.

Kerala minister KK Shailaja hit out at the demonstrators calling it dirty politics. "I can predict what is going on there. I think it is intentional, it's dirty politics they (protesters) are playing," she said.