NSG commandos deployed at Sabarimala

Pathanamthitta, Dec 5: The National Security Guards (NSG) commandos were deployed at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam today as part of strengthening of security in view of the Babri Masjid demolition anniversary tomorrow.

According to police, besides 30 NSG Commandos, Bomb squads and Shadow Patrol teams were deployed at vulnerable points on the premises of Ayyappa temple, Malikappuram Bhagavatty temple and Pampa Ganapathy temple.

Police personnel from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka also joined the special security team.

Pilgrims would not be allowed to ascend the 18-sacred steps after the closure of the temple at 1700 hrs today and the restriction would continue to be in force during the day time.

Armed guards were posted to guard essential installations like water storage tanks, pumping stations, electrical sub-stations and transformers.

Use of mobile phones were prohibited at the Sannidhanam. Police were keeping a watch on the flow of pilgrims right from Vadasserikkra.

Door-frame metal detectors were installed at Pampa and Sannidhanam.

Police have started collecting fingerprints of all the people employed in shops in the vicinity.

Meanwhile, temple sources said a heavy rush of pilgrims were witnessed at the Sannidhanam this morning.

UNI