Sabarimala LIVE: Temple opens amid violent protests; Section 144 to be imposed

The Sabarimala temple opened for the five-day monthly poojas for the Malayalam month of Thulam even as protests intensified against the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all age groups to enter the hill shrine. The police clashed with protesters after the latter pelted stones at vehicles including buses carrying devotees to the temple. Pathanamthitta district authorities said Section 144 would be imposed at Ilavunkal, Nilakkal, Pamba and Sannidhanam on Thursday in the wake of intensifying protests.