Protesters and police in Kerala are poised for a face-off on Monday as the Sabrimala hill shrine opens doors to devotees. While the former have vowed to stop women of menstruating age from reaching the Ayyappa temple, 3,000 cops stationed on the way will attempt to ensure a Supreme Court verdict that permitted their entry is upheld.
Chaos prevailed the last time the temple opened in October, when protesters clashed with the police and women journalists were attacked. Despite police escort, at least 12 women who attempted to enter the temple had to turn back, facing fierce resistance. The police have so far arrested about 3,000 people seen indulging in violence.