The police would make elaborate security arrangements to ensure the safety of Ayyappa devotees congregating at Sabarimala Sannidhanam, Pampa, Pulmedu and various other places for worshipping Makarajyoti on the Makaravilakku day in the backdrop of the stampede tragedy at Pulmedu on January, said the Inspector General of Police and Sabarimala Police Co-ordinator K.Padmakumar.
Mr Padmakumar was addressing a prèss conference at Sabarimala Sannidhanam on Wednesday.
According to him, the Police department has identified 20 other places in Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts where devotees used to congregate for worshipping the Makarajyoti, besides the Sabarimala Sannidhanam and Pulmedu.
The police will make arrangements for proper lighting of these locations in association with the concerned local grama panchayat, besides operating a public announcement system in the service of the Ayyappa devotees, he said.
He said Ms R.Sreelekha, Inspector General of Police, would be the police co-ordinator in the Idukki district and Superintendent of Police in Kottayam, C.Rajagopal, will be the Police Special Officer at Erumely during the Makaravilakku fesival.
Security Manual
Mr Padmakumar said the entire Pampa-Sabarimala stretch have been included the Security Manual and specially trained security personnel would be deployed along the route.
The IG said special security arrangements would bein place at Pampa, Sannidhanam and along the traditional path on December 6 and 7 in connection with the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya.
He said the police has been carrying out the security audit at all major places of worship belonging to different religious groups in the State.
