Two women, who made history by entering the Sabarimala temple, are in hiding after threats by protesters, reported Reuters.
Supreme Court’s verdict against the ban on women of menstruating age entering the temple led to massive protests and violence in Kerala to prevent women’s entry into the shrine.
Bindu Ammini, (42) law lecturer at Kerala's Kannur University and Kanakadurga, (44) civil servant created history by entering the temple on 2 January.
Threats From Protesters
Speaking in an undisclosed location on the outskirts of Kochi, Bindu and Kanakadurga said that they have been faced with threats from protesters, but they trusted the authorities to keep them safe. They plan to return home next week, reported Reuters
“I always say that I trust the police persons, the state government of Kerala and also our democratic society of Kerala.”Bindu Ammini
Hailing from Kozhikode district and from Malappuram, both Bindu and Kanakadurga are forced to live in hiding currently due to threats received by them.
“A lot of people tried to dissuade us and make us turn back – police officers, our friends... because they knew we were facing a lot of backlash.”Kanakadurga told Reuters
Before achieving the goal to enter the temple, the duo had made a failed attempt on 24 December.
“We felt no fear. We had only one aim: we wanted to go to that shrine.”Bindu Ammini
Another woman aged 46 has since entered the site, as confirmed by the office of the Chief Minister of Kerala on 4 January.
Along with protests, their entry followed a day-long strike in Kerala held by the BJP members.
“This BJP government has a duty to regulate and control their members.”Bindu Ammini
(With inputs from Reuters)
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