Dip in pilgrim flow through Kumily

The flow of pilgrims to Sabarimala from Tamil Nadu was slightly affected during the past few days reportedly due to the reported tension on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border at Kumily over the Mullaperiyar issue.

Talking to The Hindu , Rajamuthu, a 45 year old pilgrim from Alwarkurichi in Tamil Nadu, expressed deep concern over the rumours spreading across Kerala - Tamil Nadu border in connection with the agitation over the Mullaperiyar row.

According to him, certain “unholy’’ quarters were found to have been spreading baseless scare and rumours among the pilgrims in an attempt to create an impression that even the Sabarimala pilgrims were spared by the agitationists on the border areas.

According to him, the protesters on either side of the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border were having high regards and respect towards Sabarimala pilgrims and what ever `news’ spread by certain vested interests on the alleged “attacks’’ on Sabarimala pilgrims have no basis at all.

However, the marches and road blocks over the Mullaperiyar issue have been creating inconveniences’ that too occasionally’ to the pilgrims travelling through the Kumily check-post, he added.

Mr Rajamuthu has called upon the authorities concerned in both Kerala and Tamil Nadu to take stern steps against certain miscreants spreading of baseless rumours, creating scare among Sabarimala pilgrims.

Pilgrim dies of heart attack

A 42-year old pilgrim identified as Murukan of Beach Road at Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu died of heart attack at the Cardiology Centre at Appachimedu on Saturday night.

The Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sanghom volunteers took the body to Pampa and from there to Nagercoil, later, on Sunday.

With this, the total number of cardiac casualties at Sabarimala during the ongoing pilgrim season has gone up to 12, Health department sources said.