Security to be tightened at Sabarimala

Pathanamthitta, Oct 28 (UNI) Central Rapid Action Force and National Disaster Management Force will be deployed for the first time at Sabarimala Sannidhanam and Pampa during the forthcoming Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season in view of terrorist threats, Additional Director General of Police A R Rajeevan today said.

He was speaking at Sabarimala review meeting, convened by Devaswam Minister G Sudhakaran at the collectorate here.

Both forces numbering 120 each would become operational from next month, he said. In addition the service of central intelligence agencies would also be made available. Helipads would be set up at either Sabari peetom or Nilackal. Police observors would be posted at all vulnerable points, Mr Rajeevan said.

The pilgrimage season would be divided into five phases under the command of special officers.

He said additional police personnel would be inducted from the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Service of bomb and dog squads would be made available round-the-clock, he added.

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