Police officers stationed at Sabarimala have been instructed to follow dress code while on duty - caps, boots and belts with shirts tucked in- to treat it like any other protest site.
Pathanamthita: Kerala police personnel stationed at Sabarimala shrine have been instructed by the top brass to strictly follow the regulation dress code. This is the first time that such a norm has been issued for the pilgrimage site. The code was announced to ensure that the temple protest was treated like any other protest site.
The code was issued by Kochi range inspector general (IG) Vijay Sakahre for police officers stationed at Sabarimala. The officers have been asked to diligently don their caps, boots and belts and with their shirts tucked in. The officers would also have to go clean shaven. IG Manoj Abraham and south zone ADGP Anil Kant are in charge at the protest site.
As per the code, the officers at the Nadapandal are also to carry ‘lathis’ and stone shields with them. Exception from this rule has been granted to officers stationed at the 18 steps in the temple.
Officers stationed from Sannidhanam till Marakootam have been informed to follow the code. More than 2000 officers have been stationed at Nilakkal and over 1000, including 15 women above the age of 50 years, have been asked to patrol Sannidhanam.
The officers have been directed to ensure that devotees leave the shrine on the same day and not stay back at the temple.
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