Sabarimala row: Violation of human rights and SC order, decry activists

KOCHI: The pepper spray attack on Bindu Ammini has evoked strong reaction from women activists in state. Terming it as frightening and violent, they said that it was violation of human rights and it had nothing to do with Sabarimala protest or violation of rituals.
Advocate TB Mini said: “We must remember that this is a blatant violation of the court judgement which still prevails.Personally, I have my doubts about Trupti Desai’s agency and she has come to instigate political violence in state for BJP. Several of us women who wanted to go, decided to not to go because it will help the BJP’s agenda to divide Kerala on caste lines. That should not be encouraged. Bindu Ammini went for personal reasons. Because it is Constitution Day, the act of violence against her was done when the Supreme Court specifically said that gangs shouldn’t be allowed to stop devotees.”
Actor and activists Maala Parvati felt that the attack was comparable to an acid attack or lynching. “This is like giving a licence to kill anyone in the name of protecting rituals. It is shocking that there was no reaction. The act is intimidating and disgusting. It is sad that the social media is divided. There are many who are praising the violent act in broad daylight,” she said.
Activist Rehana Fathima said that it was quite shocking. “Initially, it looked like as though it was an acid attack later when we saw the visuals, it was chilli powder, I think. I also decided to go there to support her when Bindu herself told me not to come as there are huge gangs of protestors. People keep saying that the women are coming in gangs. But it is very obvious that the protestors are coming in large groups and the attacker also had come prepared,” she said.
Those of us — who have decided to thwart these attempts — will not be deterred. However, now we don’t have faith in the government as it can’t protect us, she said.
Viji P, activist of Pennkootu, said she had no words to express her angst. “This almost indicates that it won’t be long before Kerala becomes another Gujarat. I don’t understand why the state government is scared to permit the women from climbing the Sabarimala,” she asked.