Tight security in Sabarimala in view of Babri anniversary

SANNIDHANAM: With the country observing the 26th anniversary of Babri Masjid demolition on Thursday, the security forces at Sabarimala have intensified vigil.

On Wednesday, the state and central security forces including the police, national disaster response team and rapid action force of central reserve police force jointly took out a route march at Sannidhanam and surrounding places as part of the special vigil. The march started from Vavaru Swamy Nada and passed via Pandithavalam, Annadanapura, Bayley bridge, Marakkootam, Sabaripeedom, Sharamkuthi and Valiya Nadapanthal. The members of commandos, bomb detection and disposal squad and rapid response and rescue force of state police too were part of the march. A total 150 personnel from all forces took part in the route march.

In the afternoon, a meeting of senior officials of all forces were convened in the Travancore Devaswom Board guest house in which the security arrangements were reviewed.

SP P Karuppasamy, who is the special officer of police at Sannidhanam, said that it was an annual practice of the forces to tighten security at all important and sensitive locations in the country on Babri Masjid day. People evoking suspicion would be checked on the day. However, care will be taken to ensure smooth pilgrimage.

The special officer in charge of Nilackal region, H Manjunath, said that all the police officers on duty under him were directed to be alert.