Sources from Kerala stated that Shanila Satheesh and Reshma Nishanth, have begun a hunger strike after they were blocked from entering the temple by protesters gathered there. Meanwhile they are demanding that adequate arrangements be made for them to complete their Sabarimala darshan safely, and are reportedly on a hunger strike at an unknown location to ensure their safety and avoid attacks from angry protesters.
Furthermore a nine member group, including Shanila, Reshma and seven male companions brought along to help ensure their safety, had arrived at Pamba early on Wednesday morning. Accordingly they were stopped by rapidly swelling group protesters and the pair was accompanied to Pamba police control room, where it was decided that they would abandon their trek.
Moreover Reshma also made it clear that they would not break the fast they had undertaken in order to visit Sabarimala until they had successfully completed their darshan there. She said "We waited till Makaravilakku to let all protests settle down. It has been four months since she wore the mala and she need to go home, but she can do so, only after removing the mala. But we will not go without seeing our lord. If the protesters want to kill us, they may do so.”
