Members of the Malayulladan community, a tribal group settled in the Sabarimala forests, have staked claim to the right to light the Makaravilakku at Ponnambalamedu.
Addressing the media here on Tuesday, members of the Malavarga Mahajana Sangam, an umbrella organisation of tribal communities, called on the government to appoint a commission to ascertain the rights of various tribal groups over the temple.
“Lighting of lamp at Ponnambalamedu was done by the forefathers of Malayulladans while several of its men were employed at the temple there till some 15 years ago,” said E.K Raghavan, general secretary of the outfit. The community, which has settled in the 99 hills in and around Sabarimala, was pushed out of the temple by various agencies, K.K.Suku, general secretary of the organisation, said.
