Women activists on Saturday protested against the efforts by certain quarters to prevent the entry of women to Agasthyarkoodam.
Expressing concern at a Kerala High Court order prohibiting women from trekking beyond Athirumala, the activists accused the Forest Department of siding with those who opposed their entry to the peak, which forms part of the Western Ghats.
Speaking to the media after staging a protest in front of the Secretariat, they claimed that the ban on women was a violation of their constitutional rights.
M. Sulfath, an activist representing Pennoruma, said Forest Minister K. Raju agreed to permit entry of women at a meeting on January 24, following which a list of 51 women and transgenders identified for the Agasthyarkoodam trek was accorded approval by the Chief Wildlife Warden.
“However, the minutes of the meeting, which was provided only a few days ago, stated that only 10 women would be permitted and that the trek would have to be concluded at Athirumala,” she said.
Their decision to go ahead with the trek to Agasthyarkoodam on Saturday, a day after the conclusion of the pilgrim season, was dashed with the High Court order issued on the basis of a writ petition filed by the Adivasi Mahasabha and members of the Kani tribal community.
Rejitha of Anweshi said the efforts of women to gain their right to trek to Agasthyarkoodam was being countered by unreasonable claims that such a move went against the traditions and belief of the local community.
Divya Divakaran of Wings Kerala said the restrictions infringed on their constitutional rights and that they would explore all legal options to gain permission for the trek.
Artist Hima Shankar, advocate Sherly, and Shiny Rajkumar of Bullet Club participated in the press conference.
A few days ago, leaders of the Adivasi Mahasabha and the Agasthyarkoodam Temple Kanikkar Trust expressed happiness at the court order. The efforts made by women activists were aimed at disregarding the traditions of the local community, they said.
