Kerala CM Vijayan briefs Governor on violence following entry of 2 women into Sabarimala temple

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Thursday briefed Governor P Sathasivam on the incidents of violence in the state following entry of two young women into the Sabarimala temple on January 2.

The Governor had on January 3 sought an "urgent report" from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on the disturbances during the 12-hour state-wide shutdown called by Hindu fringe groups and supported by the BJP.

Earlier, Sathasivam had apprised Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh of the law and order situation in Kerala.

"The Chief Minister described the nature of the agitation and the action taken to curb the violent protests in different parts of the State," a release from Raj Bhavan said Thursday.

He has assured the Governor that stringent action would be initiated against those involved in the violent incidents, irrespective of party affiliation, it added.

Violence involving BJP-RSS and ruling CPI(M) rocked parts of Kerala, particularly Kannur district, during the January 3 hartal with several houses and shops of rival leaders and workers being attacked over the Sabarimala issue.

Two women, Kanakadurga (44) and Bindu (42), entered the shrine and offered prayers on Wednesday, breaking a centuries-old tradition.

Following this, the thanthri, Kandaru Rajeevaru, closed the sanctum sanctorum to perform the 'purification' ceremony.

According to police, 1,286 cases were registered till January 5 and 3,282 people were arrested in connection with the violent incidents since the January 3 hartal called against the entry of two women into the hill temple.