Protesters Block Women From Visiting Sacred Hindu Temple in India

Protesters physically blocked women of menstrual age from visiting one India’s most sacred temples on Wednesday, after the Supreme Court lifted a centuries-old rule barring their entry. Traditionalists blocked roads and heckled prospective worshippers at the Sabarimala temple following days of protest over the decision, according to AFP. The state promised to protect women’s access to the temple before its opening, but police struggled to keep the hordes of protesters at bay. Five worshippers and 15 policemen were injured in the clashes, according to Kerala state government minister EP Jayarajan.