NILAKKAL: Union minister Alphons Kannanthanam alleged that state government is responsible for the clashes at Sabarimala.

"The government has made Sabarimala as a land of disputes. They failed to make basic arrangements for the devotees. Ayyappa devotees are not terrorists. The government should investigate about the police's bahaviour. Now, we feel that Kerala is under police rule. Devotees are being arrested for chanting 'saranam'. This cannot be allowed in a democracy", said Kannanthanam.

"The number of devotees reaching Sabarimala has decresed and many people have become unemployed. The case is beofre the court and a decision should be made by the court. Rs 100 crore, given by the central government for the development of Sabarimala is not spent yet. I am visiting Sabarimala to check whether the government has provided basic requirments at Sabarimala", he added.