Sabarimala : The number of pilgrims arriving at Sabarimala is low after the first four days of Mandala Makara Vilakk season. Last year, by this time the hill was hit by more than two and a half lakh devotees wherein now its only 75000 so far.
Unwanted police controls are restricting pilgrims from reaching Sabarimala, including devotees from other states. Even at night, the police are evacuating the believers away from places where there are trying to find shelter. Ayyappa’s at Sabarimala reacted to this that, the violence of the police is beyond the tolerance. Blocking the vehicles of many, restricting the pilgrims to trek in groups, notice given with instructions restricting Sarana Manthra, devotee must return after darshana in 6 hours, do not communicate with the press, otherwise arrest will proceed.
Following the heavy police control at Sabarimala, a group of 110 pilgrims from Mumbai returned without making darshana.
The other day police have arrested pilgrims for hailing Lord Ayyappa, and the devotees were charged with non-bailable offense. These actions create fear among the pilgrims and they quit from vising Sabarimala.
