Sabarimla temple row LIVE updates: As violence rages, Kerala tourism suffers setback

As violence raged in Kerala on Saturday, the third day of clashes during which over 3,000 people have been arrested for their role in protests following the entry of women into the Sabarimala temple.As the police intensified its crackdown on those indulging in violence — the total number of arrests doubled from around 1,400 on Friday to 3,000 on Saturday — the opposition hardened its stance against the government and announced the visits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah to the state later this month. Watch: Sangh Parivar trying to turn Sabarimala into clash zone, says CM Pinarayi VijayanAccording to PTI, governor P Sathasivam briefed Union home minister Rajnath Singh about the law and order situation in the southern state.:

2:00 pm IST

If govt hurts believers’ sentiments, natural to for them to take law in hands: socio-cultural body

Nair Service Society, a socio-cultural body of upper caste Nairs, blames the government for the mess. If the government takes lead in hurting sentiments of belivers it is natural for them to take law in their hands, said NSS general secretary G Sukumaran Nair. NSS has taken a consistent position from the beginning and a party in case in Supreme Court since 2005.

11:30 am IST

CPI(M) branch secretary allegedly attacked mosque to stoke communal fire: Police

A CPI(M) brach secretary has been arrested in connection with an alleged attack on a mosque in Perambra is Kozhokkode district.

11:20 am IST

Kerala minister criticises tantri for becoming a tool in hands of Sangh Parivar outfits

State tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran reiterated that he doesn’t have information about the entry of more women in the Sabarimala shrine. He criticised tantri Rajeevaru Kandarau for becoming a tool in the hands of Sangh Parivar outfits.

11:00 am IST

More incidents of violence in Thalassery

Fresh incidents of violence were reported from north Kerala’ s Thalassery in the Kannur district.

10:30 am IST

UK, US advisory for travellers is a big setback for Kerala, said state tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran. He said that the ongoing violence brought enough disrepute to the state. The state witnessed seven shutdowns since the Supreme Court verdict on September 28. This has affected tourism in the state badly. At least 10% of state GDP comes from tourism and if situation continues to be like this, it will break the state economy, he said.

8:40 am IST

3,000 people arrested

As the police intensified its crackdown on those indulging in violence, the total number of arrests doubled from around 1,400 on Friday to 3,000 on Saturday.

8:30 am IST

DYFI activist stabbed

On day 4, as stray incidents of violence continue in Kerala, Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) activist was stabbed in the early hours in Kerala’s Palakkad.

A team of assailants barged into his house and attacked him. He suffered serious stab wounds and was rushed to the hospital.