Sabarimala: 144 likely to be extended for 4 more days

Pathanamthitta: The prevailing prohibitory order in Sabarimala Ayappa temple is likely to be extended for four more days.

The district administration is considering to extend the prohibitory order after the High Court has also observed the same.

Meanwhile, police have relaxed the restrictions imposed at Sannidhanam. The rope tied in front of ‘Mahakanikka’ as part of the restrictions have been removed completely.

The police department has also relaxed the order asking the personnel to strictly follow the dress code. Following this, police personnel in the shrine were seen wearing chappals instead of shoes from Friday.

They also avoided wearing belt and uniform shirt was not tucked in. If the shrine witnesses heavy rush of pilgrims, barricade around Vavaru mosque will be removed, reported police.

Earlier, Pathanamthitta SP has filed a report to enforce prohibitory order in Sabarimala from November 14 to January 14.

The district collector took action as per this. Though there are no issues over the Supreme Court verdict allowing entry for all women into Sabarimala temple, police assume that women will arrive at the shrine at any time.

However, more devotees joined the ‘Namajapa’ protest against police. Though the protest was not staged in the restricted area, more people taking part in the protest has irked the police.

The officials are of the view that the protests will intensify if the prohibitory order is revoked. The high level monitoring committee appointed by High Court had criticised the police for placing barricades at the temple yard and ‘Nadapanthal’ area.

But police responded that the barricades were placed to control the situation during protest. Police also noted that there was no other option to restrict protesters from camping in the shrine.

Police have taken a firm stand that all the barricades in the shrine will be removed if the temple witnesses heavy rush of pilgrims.