SANNIDHANAM: It has been hinted that the Manithi team from Tamil Nadu, who reached Pampa, to trek uphill and pay obeisance at the Lord Ayyappa shrine, will not be taken to Sannidhanam citing security issues. More devotees have reached Sabarimala as it is a holiday today. Various Sangh Parivar activists are camping there to prevent the entry of women.

In this situation a large force is required to take the Manithi team to Sannidhanam. The devotees will be affected if force is used. The police has decided not to escort them to Sannidhanam and wait till they return on their own. Considering the hardships of the devotees, the police is of the stand that security cannot be arranged for them.

Meantime, Manithi team head Selvi said they will not withdraw on their own but if the police officially demands it, then will withdraw. The official note of the police asking us to withdraw will be questioned in the court later. Will return later after holding talks with the chief minister and other officials. As Indian citizens, it is our fundamental right to pray at Sabarimala. We reached here as per the order of the Supreme Court, she said.

A manithi team functioning in Tamil Nadu has arrived in Sabarimala. They are stationed at Pampa due to heavy resistance from the protesters. They are firm in their stand of visiting Sabarimala. Though the police approached them for a conciliation, the team are firm in the decision.