Thiruvananthapuram: Facing criticism over
dealing with the rush of pilgrims in Pullumedu near Sabarimala
on the Makaravilakku day resulting in an accident that claimed
102 lives last week, Kerala Forests Minister Binoy Viswam
said there were limitations on the part of officials to
prevent pilgrims from entering the forest area as it was a
matter of faith.
"I am not a believer, but a person who respects
believers. The rules prevalent in the tiger reserve and
matters of faith should not be taken together," Viswam said
talking to reporters here.
He said the rush of pilgrims could not be prevented by
officials of any department. "The Forest department officials
had limitations in asking pilgrims not to cross the foerst
path as there was heavy rush," he said.
The government did not want to enter into any controversy
over the issue as it was a matter involving faithfuls, he
said. However, the allegations that people were allowed into
the area collecting money from vehicles would be enquired
into, he said.
PTI
