Two days before the gates of the Sabarimala temple open for the second time this year, Kerala police deployment has been stepped up at and around the temple. The temple gates will be opened for 24 hours from November 5.
According to Pathanamthitta district Superintendent of Police T Narayanan, 1,500 police officials have been deployed in the temple town and will remain till the midnight of November 6 when the temple will close again.
He said as of now, there have been no requests from women to enter the shrine.
"If there are any requests, the police will see that the apex court verdict is carried out. None other than the pilgrims would be given permission to the designated areas of the temple," said Narayanan.
The security arrangements were being monitored by the Additional Director General of Police Anil Kanth. According to the police, no one is allowed to remain in the pathway that leads to the temple, right from the Pamba base camp and also in the areas closer to the sanctum santorum of the temple.
It has also been reported that 20 Deputy Superintendents of Police’s, 42 circle inspectors, 78 sub-inspectors, 1,876 civil police officers and 105 women civil police officers will be deployed by the police in Sabarimala and its premises. Along with this, a commando team will also be deployed in case of an emergency situation.
Restrictions have been clamped for the media and they will only be allowed to reach the temple town on November 5. Pathanamthitta District Collector has announced that Section 144 will be in force at the Sannidhanam and in the areas of Nilakkal and Pamba. The curfew will come into force from the night of November 3 till the night of November 6.
As of Saturday, the police have registered 536 cases and arrested 3,719 persons, who protested last month when the temple opened for six days. Only around 100 are still in jail, while the rest have secured bail.
In a verdict on September 28, the Supreme Court allowed women of all age groups to enter the temple which led to mass protests. During the five day pooja in October, a dozen women had attempted to enter the sanctum sanctorum of the temple but they were along the way and sent back by protesting devotees despite heavy police protection.