"Outcry in Kerala: Chaos at Sabarimala Temple Sparks Mass Protests"

Kerala is engulfed in turmoil as chaos ensues at the Sabarimala temple, spurred by perceived mismanagement aggravated by a sudden surge in pilgrims. Tragedy struck with the demise of an 11-year-old girl during the pilgrimage to the Lord Ayyappa shrine, intensifying tensions.

The influx of pilgrims has soared dramatically since December 6, resulting in extensive queues stretching beyond 18 hours. This influx has led to distressing incidents, breaching barricades, triggering stampede-like situations, and causing disorder on the temple steps.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed officials to take immediate measures to manage the situation while mitigating pilgrims' inconvenience. An emergency meeting resolved to reduce the daily virtual queue booking by 10,000, capping it at 80,000, and extending darshan timings by an hour.

Simultaneously, BJP Yuva Morcha members are staging protests at Sabarimala's Secretariat, accusing the state government of mishandling the crisis. They highlight extensive queues and the absence of essential facilities along the pilgrimage route.

"Despite the Chief Minister's claim of not expecting such crowds, pilgrims endure without access to food, water, or basic necessities," voiced BJP's Kummanam Rajasekharan.

The gravity of the situation prompted the Kerala High Court to intervene, instructing authorities to aid pilgrims at the shrine. The court directed the Travancore Devaswom Board to explore options, such as providing drinking water and biscuits through NSS volunteers or Local Self Government Institutions.

Additionally, the court urged the police to prevent overcrowding at the queue complex and ensure its daily cleanliness.