KOCHI: The High Court has directed that the movement of vehicles in Nilakkal should be controlled through a hold and release system. Such system can also implemented in Sabarimala Edathavalams. Food and other facilities should be ensured there too.

The Motor Vehicle Department and Devaswam should patrol the Nilakkal-Laha area and take steps to provide drinking water and biscuits to those stuck in the vehicles. Meanwhile, Kochi City DCP KS Sudarshan has been appointed instead of SP KV Santhosh who was in charge of Sannidhanam. Thiruvananthapuram Crime Branch SP S Madhusudan has been appointed to replace Aravind Sukumar in Pampa. KV Santosh has been appointed in place of L Salomon in Nilakkal.

Meanwhile, the pilgrims blocked the main road to Ranni at Erumeli, demanding that vehicles be allowed to go to Pampa. Vehicles were not allowed to enter Pampa as part of police regulations. Following this, the pilgrims laid seige at 6:30 pm for an hour and half. At this time, the persuasion of the police also failed. Mainly other state devotees were the ones who protested. Not a single vehicle passed through the route during this time.