Police gear up for monthly opening of Sabari temple

Thiruvananthapuram: With the Supreme Court reserving its verdict on the review petitions on Sabarimala women entry verdict, the police will have a tough time once again ensuring that there are no untoward incidents when the temple opens for the monthly puja on the first day of Malayalam month of Kumbham on Tuesday. If required, prohibitory orders would also be clamped during the days when the temple would be open.
Police have put in restrictions during the five days from February 12 to 17, including for the entry of media to Pamba and Sannidhanam. The media and the devotees will be allowed to proceed from Nilackal towards Pamba only from 10am on Tuesday, Pathanamthitta district police chief T Narayanan said.

In his statement, he said that since various organizations have been protesting since Thula masa pooja in Sabarimala because of the verdict, the police will enforce reasonable restrictions for all from Nilackal. He said that all should cooperate to ensure that the atmosphere is peaceful when the temple is opened.

Meanwhile, devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran said that there would be stringent action against all those who are trying to destroy the peace and tranquillity in Sabarimala. The police bandobast in Sabarimala will be handled by three SPs. V Ajith, special cell, police headquarters, will be in charge of Sannidhanam during the five days. SP, telecommunications, H Manjunath will be in charge of Pamba, while district police chief, Kollam city, P K Madhu, will be in charge at Nilackal. As many as 350 policemen each will be deployed at Pamba, Sannidhanam and Nilackal, while 150 policemen will be deployed at Erumeli. tnn