Ayyappa forum alleges govt. apathy

‘Basic facilities yet to be arranged though pilgrim season is nearing’

November 04, 2019 11:07 pm | Updated 11:07 pm IST - PATHANAMTHITTA

The Sabarimala Ayyappa Seva Samajom (SASS) has warned of launching an agitation against the alleged anti-Sabarimala attitude of the government.

In a statement here on Monday, SASS State chairman Akkeeramon Kalidasan Bhattathirippad alleged that Sabarimala had been left as a place sans basic facilities though hardly 10 days were left for the beginning of the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrim season. The preparations claimed to have launched by the government and the Travancore Devaswom Board had reached nowhere, till now, he alleged. The retiring space for the pilgrims at Sannidhanam was grossly inadequate and repair and maintenance work on various roads leading to Pampa still remained a non-starter, he alleged.

Pathetic condition

Mr. Bhattathirippad alleged that the condition of toilets at Sabarimala and Pampa continued to be pathetic and no effective step had been initiated for the free feeding of devotees (Annadanam) visiting the pilgrim centre during the annual pilgrim season.

The SASS chief further alleged that the government was yet to change its negative approach towards the age old religious custom and practices at Sabarimala.

He said SASS would launch an indefinite agitation, if the government failed to take necessary corrective steps at Sabarimala.

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