Thiruvananthapuram: The threat of the radical communist outfit CPI(Maoist) is looming across Kerala. As the Sabarimala pilgrimage season is about to begin, the security agencies have warned of Maoist threat to the holy shrine.
The threat comes after a recent shoot out of the police with Maoists in the forests of Palakkadu, in which four communist terrorists were gun downed. The police have sought the help of security agencies of the neighboring states as well to crack down on Maoists. The Central security agencies are also reviewing the current security situation prevailing in the state.
As the path of the Sabarimala pilgrimage passes through dense forests, the risk of communist terrorists infiltrating it is higher. The intelligence reports say that those wearing khaki-pants and riding on dollies must be observed. The materials being transported through the Swami Ayyappan road must also be checked.
Other instructions of the security agencies are the gathering of information about devotees coming from foreign countries, stronger patrolling of Pulumedu, and checking if the CCTV cameras are functioning properly.
Sabarimala will open on 16 November for the Mandala Makaravillaku Pooja. The ‘Mandala Pooja’ will take place on 27 November. After the Mandala Pooja, Sabarimala will close on 27 December. After that the holy shrine will open again on 30th and after the ‘Makaravillaku Pooja’ Sabarimala will close on 20 January.
