2 outfits call for shutdown on Sabari issue;security tightened

The Kerala government on Wednesday tightened security across the state by deploying more police personnel following escalating protests by a section of Lord Ayyappa devotees and a hartal called by Hindu fringe outfits against the decision to allow entry of women in Sabarimala temple.

Right wing outfit, 'Antharashtriya Hindu Parishad' led by Pravin Togadia and the 'Sabarimala Samrakshana Samithi', an outfit of devotees, have called a 24-hour-long hartal starting midnight.

The outfits are protesting the CPI(M)-led LDF government's decision to implement the Supreme Court verdict permitting women of all age groups to enter the hill shrine.

Special security arrangements and patrolling have been put in place in various locations including Pamba, Nilackal, Erumeli, Vandiperiyar en route to the Sabarimala temple, located in the central district of Pathanamthitta.

DGP Lonknath Behera said 700 additional police personnel had already been deployed in Pamba and Nilackal, the base camps of Sabarimala pilgrimage, to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of devotees proceeding to the temple.

"At least 700 armed police personnel, 100 of them women, are already placed in various locations. A team of commandos will also be deployed soon," he said.

Behera also said anyone who blocks vehicles in the name of hartal would be severely dealt with.