Indian police mounted a huge security operation Friday to ensure women can safely access a flashpoint Hindu temple, after battles erupted the first time they attempted to enter following a historic court ruling. More than 3,400 police, many in riot gear, lined routes to Sabarimala temple, a hilltop shrine in Kerala state, which traditionalists are trying to prevent women from reaching. The Supreme Court ruled in September that a ban on women aged between 10 and 50 entering the temple was illegal. Published in Daily Times, November 17th 2018.