Police security intensifies at Sabarimala Temple, gates to open on November 5

Kerala : The Kerala Police has stepped up the security at the Sabarimala Temple as the gates of the temple will open for devotees on November 5. The gates will remain open for 24 hours.

According to Pathanamthitta district Superintendent of Police T Narayanan, 1,500 police officials have been deployed in the temple town and will remain till the midnight of November 6 when the temple will close again.

The action comes in wake of ongoing controversy over the entry of women devotees in the main area of the temple.

"If there are any requests, the police will see that the apex court verdict is carried out. None other than the pilgrims would be given permission to the designated areas of the temple," said Narayanan.

Pathanamthitta District Collector has announced that Section 144 will be in force at the Sannidhanam and in the areas of Nilakkal and Pamba. The curfew will come into force from the night of November 3 till the night of November 6.

On September 28, the Supreme Court had allowed women to enter the temple premises. During the five day pooja a lot of women devotees tried to go inside the temple but they were returned by the protesting devotees.