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Protests Erupt in Sabarimala Over Presence of Woman November 06, 2018 13:12

Tension prevailed at Kerala's Sabarimala temple on Tuesday morning as devotees protested the presence of a woman at Valiya Nadapanthal. The Lord Ayyappa temple opened once again on Monday for the 'Sree Chitira Atta Thirunal' puja to mark the birth anniversary of the last king of the princely state of Travancore, Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma. The devotees rushed towards the woman on the intuition that she belonged to the "barred" age group. They refused entry for her till her age was confirmed to be over 50 years. The police escorted her to a hospital and said she was 52 years old. In the meantime, protesters attacked journalists covering the agitation. A cameraman working for a Malayalam news channel was assaulted by the protesters as he was covering the agitation from a roof. The police rescued the cameraman after protesters threw chairs at him. The cameraman of another Malayalam channel likewise sustained injuries after being assaulted. On Monday night, a 30-year-old woman who had reached Pamba base camp with her husband and two children flee after protesters remained defiant on excepting her entry to the Sabarimala shrine. The doors of the place of worship were opened Monday for the second time in three weeks amid unexampled security over the fear of protests by those opposing the Supreme Court order permitting women of all age groups into the temple. -Sowmya Sangam

Kerala on High Alert as Sabarimala Re-Opens its Door Today November 05, 2018 12:30

The Sabarimala temple in Kerala is set to open for a special puja on Monday evening, weeks after ferocious protests rocked Kerala against the entry of women of ages into the shrine. Police said 2,300 personnel, including a 20-member commando team and 100 women, have been deployed to ensure smooth 'darshan' and security of devotees, a move that came in for criticism from the erstwhile royal family of Pandalam, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress for such fortification. The authorities added that if necessary, around 30 women police personnel in the rank of circle inspector and sub-inspector and above the age of 50 would be deployed at 'Sannidhanam' (temple complex) for security. This is the second time the shrine will open for 'darshan' after the Supreme Court permitted entry of women of all age groups into it. Manic protests had rocked the place of worship last month and around a dozen women in the age group of 10-50 were obstructed from reaching the shrine as dissenting devotees sought to defend their customs and beliefs. The situation led to a pitched battle between police and the agitators as thousands took to the streets against the decision of the LDF (Left Democratic Front) government to implement the court orders. The shrine will open at 5 p.m. for the "Sree Chitira Atta Thirunal" special puja slated for the next day, marking the anniversary of the last king of Travancore Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, and close at 10 p.m. on that day. Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru and chief priest Unnikrishnan Namboodiri will jointly open the doors of the temple and light the lamp at the 'Sreekovil' (sanctum sanctorum). Dismissing reports that media was being restrained from going to Sabarimala, Kerala Director General of Police Loknath Behara said there was no bar on entry of journalists. The Pandalam royal family, closely associated with the Ayyappa shrine, said it was "pained" at the heavy security in and around Sabarimala. "Saddened that devotees will have to offer prayers at the shrine amid thick police cover," it said. Protesting the apex court verdict, a 'prayer yagna' will be held, the family said. In the meantime, the Sabarimala Karma Samiti, a platform of right-wing outfits, including VHP, appealed to media houses not to depute women journalists in the menstrual age group to report the evolution in Sabarimala. In its letter to editors, a copy of which was released to the media, it said even the entry of women journalists belonging to this age group as part of their job was also likely to aggravate the situation. Activist Rahul Easwar, president of Ayyappa Dharma Sena that is among the outfits spearheading the protests, in a video message said, "Like police, we are also fully prepared". -Sowmya Sangam

TN Govt. Fixes Time Slot for Bursting Crackers on Diwali November 02, 2018 17:46

The Tamil Nadu government Friday said people in the state would be allowed to burst firecrackers between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Diwali, which falls o November 6 in the states, in line with the Supreme Court pronouncement. The government has issued a set of guidelines over bursting of crackers, including avoiding certain types of fireworks. It also appealed to Diwali revelers to forfeit crackers with high decibel and pollution levels and avoid bursting firecrackers near hospitals, places of worship, near huts and other facilities that could easily catch fire. "Based on the Supreme Court verdict, the Tamil Nadu government permits bursting of crackers between 6 am and 7 am and 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.," a release said. The government also said residents welfare associations can take steps to ensure that people burst crackers in groups in open spaces after obtaining due permission from the respective local bodies. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board would survey the air quality seven days ahead and after the celebration in all the corporation limits. "Let us all celebrate a mishap-free and pollution-free Diwali," the release said and extended its festival greetings. It evoked the Supreme Court directions to the state government to implement former's original order on limiting bursting of crackers to the two-hour slot though it had sought extra time. -Sowmya Sangam

DD Cameraman Attacked by Maoist Records Emotional Message October 31, 2018 14:36

An assistant cameraman working with Doordarshan who was killed in Maoists attack on Tuesday shot a video of himself sharing an emotional 'last message' telling his mother that he may not survive. Maoists on Tuesday attacked a police patrol party accompanying a three-member team of national broadcaster Doordarshan for election-related coverage, near Nilawaya village under Aranapur police station limits of Dantewada at around 11 a.m. Two policemen- Sub Inspector Rudra Pratap Singh, assistant constable Manglu and the cameraman of Doordarshan Achyutanand Sahu were killed on the spot. Of the two injured policemen, an assistant constable Rakesh Kaushal died at a private hospital on Wednesday morning. Related Content: DD Cameraman, Two Cops Killed in Naxal Attack in Chhattisgarh Mor Mukut Sharma, the assistant cameraman in the video, who was likewise part of the crew, filmed a video message during the encounter, detailing the incident. He thought these were his last moments. But he survived..... #DDNews video journalist Mor Mukut Sharma shared his heart-wrenching ordeal as the dastardly #naxal attack in #Dantewada was underway. A salute to his bravery and courage even in the face of death pic.twitter.com/6LvaFnugn9 — Doordarshan News (@DDNewsLive) October 31, 2018 "A terrorist attack has happened. We were covering the elections in Dantewada and the army was with us when suddenly the Naxalites surrounded us from all four directions." He also addressed his love for his mother: "Mum, if I survive this incident, I just want you to know that I love you very much. Chances are that I won’t survive this attack, the situation is not right." Sharma further went on to state his lack of fear during the encounter. "I do not know why, but I am not scared while looking death in the face. It will be difficult to survive this." Sharma said that the crew was accompanied by six or seven jawans. Some of them can be seen, in another video recorded by Sharma, asking the crew to lay low during the attack. Sharma was heard asking for water from one of the security personnel. Sharma is undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at a Raipur hospital. -Sowmya Sangam

DD Cameraman, Two Cops Killed in Naxal Attack in Chhattisgarh October 30, 2018 16:31

Doordarshan News cameraperson Achyutananda Sahu and two other policemen were killed in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada on Tuesday after their unit was attacked by a group of Naxals. Two other policemen have been injured in the attack. Deputy General Inspector of Police (Naxal Operation) P Sundarraj addressed the media on the attack and stated that the DD news crew, who was accompanying a Chhattisgarh police team patrolling the area, was trapped by Naxals in Dantewada's Aranpur village. "Today our patrolling party was ambushed by Naxals in Aranpur. Two of our personnel were martyred and a DD cameraman was also injured and later succumbed. Two more personnel have been injured," P Sundarraj said. According to a tweet by Prasar Bharati, DD News had deployed a camera team for election coverage in Chhattisgarh. The team included cameraman Achyutananda Sahu, reporter Dhiraj Kumar, and light assistant Mormukt Sharma. Speaking to PTI, DIG Sundarraj identified the two martyred police personnel as Sub Inspector Rudra Pratap and Assistant Constable Mangalu. DD News had deployed a camera team for election coverage in Chatisgarh. The team included cameraman Achyutananda Sahu, reporter Dhiraj Kumar and light assistant Mormukt Sharma. The team came under attack by Maoists this forenoon near Dantewada. https://t.co/N0u9HnZb1J — Prasar Bharati (@prasarbharati) October 30, 2018 The attack comes ahead of the Assembly Elections in Chhattisgarh, which will be held in two phases - the first on November 12 and the second on November 20. Naxal groups in the state have asked people to boycott the polls. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore have condoled the deaths. "We stand in solidarity with the family of the cameraperson. We will take care of his family. We salute all those media persons who go for coverage in such dangerous situations. We remember their bravery," Rathore was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Three days ago, four Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in a Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, on a day Chief Minister Raman Singh kicked off the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's election campaign for the elections. On Tuesday, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad claimed that the number of Maoist-affected districts has decreased from 150 to 78-80 over the years. -Sowmya Sangam

Sabarimala Row: Swami Sandeepananda Giri's Ashram Attacked in Kerala October 27, 2018 13:07

Amid protests across Kerala against the entry of women of all ages into Sabarimala temple, Swami Sandeepananda Giri's Salagramam ashram at nearby Kundamonkadavu was attacked early Saturday, police said. The attack occurred at around 2 a.m. and two cars and a scooter were burnt, they said, adding the attackers also left a garland at the ashram. Swami Sandeepananda Giri had welcomed the apex court order allowing women in the 10-50 age group to offer prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala. In the meantime, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who visited the ashram, told reporters that rigorous action would be taken against the accused, whoever they may be. Their purpose was not to destroy the ashram, but Swamiji, he said. In reaction to the attack, Sandeepananda Giri alleged that the whole responsibility for the incident was on BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) state president P S Sreedharan Pillai, Thazhamon Madom, the kin of traditional head priests of Sabarimala temple and Pandalam Royal family, also associated with the shrine. Director General of Police Loknath Behara said strong action would be taken to bring the accused to book. "We will not tolerate such incidents in the state," he said. However, BJP district leadership has denied any role in the attack and demanded an "unbiased" investigation into the incident. The state had seen immense protests from devotees at various places, including Sabarimala, Pamba, and Nilakkal against allowing women of all ages to enter the shrine, where the deity is 'Naishtika Brahmachari' (perennial celibate), when the temple was opened for every month poojas from October 17-22. At least 12 women in the 'barred' age group (10-50) had tried to trek the hills to offer prayers but had to retreat following widespread protests. -Sowmya Sangam

Kerala Needs Rs 31,000 Crore to Rebuild State: UN Report October 26, 2018 18:02

Kerala will need about Rs 31,000 crore for recovery and reconstruction following the century's worst floods, according to a United Nations report presented to the Chief Minister by UN Resident Coordinator in India Yuri Afanasiev. Afanasiev presented the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday. This is the first time the UN has prepared such a report in India. The report assessed the damage and loss obtained due to the devastating floods in the state in the month of August. It said the state would need about Rs 31,000 crore for recovery and reconstruction. The highest amount would be needed for the reconstruction of roads and transportation (Rs 10,046 crore), followed by housing (Rs 5,443 crore), agriculture, fisheries and livestock (Rs 4,498 crore), employment and livelihood (Rs 3,896 crore), other infrastructure (Rs 2,446 crore), irrigation (Rs 1,483 crore) and water and sanitation (Rs 1,331 crore). The report highlighted the international illustrations and models for building back an improved Kerala in 16 sectors. It suggested that Kerala could turn to be the first green state in the country by building on the four pillars of integrated water resources management; eco-sensitive and risk-informed approaches to land use and planning; inclusive and people-centred approaches; and by adopting knowledge, innovation and technology. Chief Minister Vijayan thanked the UN for providing support to the state for flood response and developing the PDNA. He sought UN technical support in developing sectoral recovery plans, bringing international models and new technologies to Kerala and in strengthening the recovery committees with experts. The Chief Minister sought UN support for mobilizing resources for the state within and outside the country. Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Issac thanked the UN for its assistance in mobilizing grants for reconstruction. "This would reduce the amount of borrowing." The PDNA is the global methodology developed by the UN, the World Bank and the European Union to assess damage and loss in the wake of disaster and to recommend the recovery needs and strategies. In all, 76 experts from 10 UN agencies and European Union across 13 sectors collaborated to develop the report in 20 days. The UN agencies included UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund), UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), UN Women, UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme), WHO (World Health Organization), WFP (World Food Programme), ILO International Labour Organization) and FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) and adopted reports of three sectors from the World Bank and ADB (Asian Development Bank). Besides, two experts on integrated water resources management from the Netherlands also provided support. The report was prepared after visiting 120 villages in 10 districts and interacting with experts, affected people, elected representatives, officials and representatives of civil society organizations. -Sowmya Sangam

No Outright Ban on Firecrackers, Only Green Crackers will be Sold: SC October 23, 2018 16:29

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that only green firecrackers with reduced discharge and decibel levels will be allowed during all religious festivals.On Diwali, firecrackers could be burst between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., the court said. Likewise, on New Year's Eve, firecrackers will be permitted for one hour - from 11.45 p.m. to 12.45 a.m., - reported Livelaw.The move comes after the Supreme Court order earlier this year which imposed an absolute ban on firecrackers in the national capital region.A bench of Justice A.K. Sikri and Justice Ashok Bhushan banned the bursting of firecrackers that do not adapt to the green norms that would apply all the year round. The rules would be applicable to marriage festivities as well.The court said that the authorities would identify common community areas for the bursting of firecrackers and ensure the people made aware of these.The court said that the police station chiefs would be personally responsible for ensuring the compliance of its order. If the order is not complied with, the area police chief would be liable for contempt of court, the bench said.The petition had been filed by three kid petitioners, whose lawyer sought a complete ban on the sale of firecrackers.As part of the hearing, the Court as well banned the online sale of firecrackers. Any e-commerce portal selling firecrackers will be slapped with a contempt notice, the court said. The court likewise banned strung and joined firecrackers called 'laddi'. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) counsel Vijay Panjwani described the order as a "balanced one".However, the lawyers who were pressing for a complete ban on the firecrackers said the court order would be hard to implement for obvious practical reasons.During the course of the hearing, the apex court had said that it would also take into account the fundamental right of livelihoods of those who manufacture firecrackers and the right to health of the people of the country.-Sowmya Sangam

SC Declines Urgent Hearing of #MeToo Petition October 22, 2018 17:49

The Supreme Court on Monday declined an urgent hearing of a PIL (Public Interest Litigation) petition seeking the registration of FIRs (First Information Report) based on allegations of sexual misconduct and assault leveled by women across various sectors, part of what is being referred to as India's #MeToo movement.A Bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and Justice S.K. Kaul, told lawyer M.L. Sharma, who filed the petition, that it would come up for hearing in the regular course.Besides FIRs, the petition as well seeks a direction to the National Commission for Women (NCW) to give security and assistance to the women who have come out in the open with the allegations.-Sowmya Sangam

Kerala Nun Rape Case: Key Witness Father Kuriakose Found Dead October 22, 2018 15:54

One of the people who has been stridently speaking against Bishop Franco Mulakkal and has as well given a statement to the police against him in the rape case of a nun was found dead in St. Mary's Church in Dasuya in Jalandhar. Father Kuriakose Kattuthara, who was 62 years old, was found dead on Monday morning. The precise cause of his death is not known yet. Father Kuriakose's kin and other witnesses in the case suspect a conspiracy in his death. Father Peter, of the Jalandhar diocese, told news media that a few nuns had knocked on Father Kuriakose's door on Monday morning and when he did not answer, they returned with another pastor from the parish. When they opened the door, they found Father Kuriakose lying on the floor. They rushed him to a government hospital where he was declared dead, Father Peter said. Father Kuriakose had given a statement against Bishop Franco Mulakkal to the Kerala police in the rape case of a nun from Missionaries of Jesus. His brother, Jose Kattuthara, told Mathrubhumi news that he was suspicious about his brother's death, and alleged that he had been killed for giving a statement against Bishop Franco Mulakkal. Earlier, Father Kuriakose has alleged that he was under terrible pressure by church officials for his support of the nun who has accused the bishop of rape.In an interview to Mathrubhumi, Fr Kuriakose had said, "The sisters had approached me complaining about Bishop Franco. They did not approach the Kerala police fearing the bishop. In fact, I fear what will happen to me for speaking out against him."Father Kuriakose, who was a vocational teacher at the Jalandhar diocese, had likewise taught the survivor nun and the other nuns who protested for justice. SP Harishankar, who is investigating the rape case, confirmed to TNM that Father Kuriakose was a prosecution witness against Bishop Franco in the case. Speaking to TNM, Sister Anupama, who had led the protests against Bishop Franco said, "We are very shocked to hear this news. Father Kuriakose has taught me and he was part of our parish as well. He was a crucial witness in our case as he had given statements against Bishop Franco to the police. I haven't been in touch with him but I had heard from other priests that he had been facing a lot of pressure of late, with many in the church pointing fingers at him. We feel the circumstances of his death are suspicious and may affect our case against Bishop Franco." Father Kuriakose had supported the Missionaries of Jesus nun who has accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal of rape.Bishop Franco Mulakkal was granted conditional bail in the case on October 15 in the nun rape case.The Kerala High Court had at the time of granting his bail ordered the bishop to be present before the probing officer one time in two weeks. The bishop has also been directed to surrender his passport to the court and he has been forbidden from entering Kerala. He had received a hero's welcome when he returned to Jalandhar on October 17, with supporters pouring him with rose petals and garlanding him.-Sowmya Sangam

Sabarimala Row: SC to Decide Date of Hearing Review Petitions Tuesday October 22, 2018 13:08

The Supreme Court on Monday said it will decide on Tuesday the date when it will hear the review petitions pending before it against the entry of women of all ages into Kerala's Sabarimala temple. Currently, there are a total of 19 review petitions pending before the Supreme Court in connection with the Supreme Court's verdict earlier this month permitting women of all ages into Sabarimala Temple."We will see it tomorrow (Tuesday) as to when we can take up the hearing of the fresh petitions (writ and review) regarding the entry of women between the ages of 10 and 50 in Kerala's Sabarimala temple," the Supreme Court said on Monday.Over the last five days, more than 10 women have attempted to enter the shrine but were forced to return owing to massive protests by devotees. In umpteen cases, the devotees, constantly shouting slogans of the god Ayyappa, were encircled by protesters and sent back and in few cases, the police had said that they will not be able to render protection for the women. The Pandalam Royal Family and the Thantri family have threatened to close the doors of the temple if a woman between the ages of 10 to 50 enters the temple.The custodian of the Sabarimala temple, Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), had decided to submit a comprehensive report regarding the happenings in and around the temple, both to the Supreme Court and the Kerala High Court.A Padmakumar, TDB president, stated that the board would soon approach their legal counsel for preparing the report on what has been happening in the temple since it opened on Wednesday."We have no intention to play political games with Sabarimala," said Padmakumar.In the meantime, State Bharatiya Janata Party President PS Sreedharan Pillai on Sunday stated that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan should convene a special session of the Assembly, and recommend to the Centre to promulgate an Ordinance to nullify the SC order.A five-judge Supreme Court on September 28 lifted the ban on the entry of women between the ages 10 to 50 into the Sabarimala temple. Pursuing the Supreme Court's verdict, several protests and rallies were carried out across Kerala by both men and women, who claimed that the SC ruling is against their customs and traditions.-Sowmya Sangam

M.J. Akbar Defamation Case: Court to Record Statements on Oct. 31 October 18, 2018 15:33

A Delhi court on Thursday took notice of the criminal defamation complaint filed by former Union Minister M.J. Akbar against senior journalist Priya Ramani.Samar Vishal, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate at the Patiala House courts took notice of the complaint after an abbreviated argument by Geeta Luthra, counsel for Akbar."Heard on the issue of cognizance of the complaint. I take cognizance of the complaint under Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code," Vishal said in his brief order.The court later fixed October 31 as the date for recording of pre-summoning evidence of Akbar and his other witnesses in the case.Akbar has resigned due to these allegations and they show the damage caused to his reputation, says his lawyer.Advocate Geeta Luthra referred to the Akbar's reputation as a journalist and asked the court to take cognizance of his complaint, saying the allegations have caused irreparable loss to his reputation built over 40 years.Akbar was not present in the court. He is likely to appear on the next date, October 31. The court will decide on summoning Ramani after recording the evidence of Akbar and his some other witnesses.-Sowmya Sangam

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