Nilakkal: Even as a controversy rages about the entry of young women to Sabarimala, Inspector General of Police (IG) Manoj Abraham said anyone, including young women, can worship at the Sree Dharma Sastha temple.
“Nilakkal, Pampa and Sabarimala are entirely under police control,” he stated. “No Aiyyappa devotee will be blocked by anyone. No one would be allowed to check pilgrims.”
“The police will provide security to any devotee who needs it to worship at the temple,” the IG in charge of security at Sabarimala, asserted, adding: “The law of the land will be enforced.”
“Three cases have been registered against people who prevented pilgrims to Sabarimala yesterday and today,” Abraham said on Tuesday. Eleven people are in police custody. No agitation will be allowed in the Sabarimala area.”
The IG refuted the charge that there was a lapse on the part of the police on Monday. “The police deployment ahead of the temple reopening was completed only today. We never expected that big a crowd yesterday (Monday). Forces were bolstered as the number of protesters kept swelling. We've ensured full protection to Sabarimala pilgrims. Anybody can come without fear.”
