House of activist who attempted temple entry vandalised

Unidentified miscreants yesterday attacked the Kochi residence of Rehana Fatima, an activist and model who attempted to go up the hill shrine of Sabarimala in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district. The attack happened shortly after her husband Manoj Sridhar posted on social media that Fatima was attempting to reach the temple following the verdict of India’s Supreme Court that all devotees irrespective of their gender could go on pilgrimage to the temple.

That verdict has been strongly opposed by traditionalists who oppose girls and women in the 10-50 age-group going to the temple on the grounds that the deity is a bachelor who does not like to be distracted by the presence of women.

In the attack on the residence, some windowpanes of the house, chairs in the front verandah and some exercising equipment were destroyed.

Fatima is well known in the state ever since she participated in a series of rallies and protests demanding equality for women. She has been known for her role in the ‘Kiss of Love’ agitation as well as for baring her breasts in a symbolic protest against the rising incidence of crimes against women.

She also made a mark by becoming the first female ‘leopard’ to participate in the pulikali (leopard dance), a traditional folk event associated with the annual Thrissur Pooram temple festival.

Meanwhile, criticism has mounted against journalist Kavita Jakkal from Andhra Pradesh for marching up the hill shrine in police riot gear, surrounded by about a hundred policemen. “Are common citizens allowed to walk in police uniform in public?” asked commentators on social media, objecting to the special treatment given to a woman at the temple.