The Hindu : Kerala News : Security tightened at Pampa

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Dec 05, 2004

Kerala

Kerala

Security tightened at Pampa

By Our Staff Reporter

PATHANAMTHITTA, DEC. 4. The police have tightened security arrangements at Pampa on the foothills of Sabarimala in view of the anniversary of demolition of the Babri Masjid in Uttar Pradesh on December 6.

The Police Special Officer at Pampa, Rajan Singh, told The Hindu that the entry of people to the Swami Ayyappan Road as well as the traditional Neelimala trekking path would be allowed through door-framed metal and explosive detectors on December 5 and 6.

Mr. Singh said that no vehicles, other than that of essential services such as Health, police, and others would be permitted to cross the Triveni Bridge across river Pampa on these days.

Extra security personnel

He said that devotees would not be permitted to halt at Anjaneya auditorium at the Pampa Ganapathi Temple premises. Ten commandos would be deployed at Pampa in addition to the existing security forces and police force. Everyone, including the pilgrims and employees, would be subjected to security checks for the next couple of days. He said that the employees on duty at Sabarimala as well as the workers at various business establishments should display their identity cards that have been issued by a competent authority.

Mr. Singh said that no private vehicles would be permitted to park on the Maramath complex premises. Security measures have been introduced at the vehicle parking lots at Pampa and Nilackal.

He said the explosive detection squad from Thiruvananthapuram was camping at Pampa and even the sacred bundle (`Irumudikettu') would be subjected to security checks using hand-held explosive detectors. Mr. Singh called upon the devotees to cooperate with the police.

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