Sabrimala violence: Sri Sri calls for non-violence, says traditions should be respected

New Delhi, Jan 4 (IANS) Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Friday called on the people of Kerala to restrain from violence and wait for the Supreme Court's decision on the review petition on Sabrimala temple row."It's a pity that Kerala, a state known for progress and communal harmony, is burning. I call on everyone to keep calm and restrain from acts of violence. We have to wait for the Supreme Court's decision on the review petition," Sri Sri said in a statement.Protests erupted across Kerala on Wednesday after two women in the hitherto banned age group entered the Sabarimala temple before dawn, with the Sabarimala Karma Samithi (SMS) calling for a state-wide shutdown on Thursday.The shutdown saw major violence on Thursday with nearly 100 people, including police personnel, getting injured.Sri Sri, however, also asserted that no such action should be taken that could result in violence and that "the temple traditions should be respected"."When the Sabrimala matter is sub judice, no action should have been taken that would have caused heartburn and turmoil in our society."While Kerala has not left any stone unturned for it's women empowerment, the temple traditions and sentiments of devotees should be respected," he said.
--IANS sd/prs