SABARIMALA: Nadapanthal, a point before the holy place 18 steps to Sannidhanam is turning into a confrontatist situation as two young women, one a journalist, with irumudikettu reached the point where large protesters stopped them from going to the temple.IG Sreejith who led the team has begun to hold talks even as the protesters are getting difficult to handle.Earlier, Kavitha S, a journalist from Andhra Pradesh who reached Pamba had sought police protection to make the climb up to Sabarimala as part of reporting the situation. While this became known, Rehna Fathima, another woman was also escorted with the police slowly getting her in the escort team without anybody knowing about it. It was half way through the journey.Heavy force in riot gear has been deployed at Pamba to provide security for the women who were escorted in three teams. Both women are in their late 20s.Earlier, a team of riot police has already left pamba for Sannidanam to clear the way for the woman. This team is led by SP Debashish Behera. A team of police led by IG S Sreejith along with the female journalist Kavita and Rehna.Meanwhile, even as news spread, devotees in the temple who came for the datrshan on festival occasion of Vijayadashami , began gathering. There is growing protests at Sannidhanam. Devotees singing Saranam Ayyappa waited to stop them. As Kavita is without irumudikettu, she will climb from that side but Rehna can climb 18 steps.The pilgrims and protesters are sitting with children in front. A few protestors tried raising protest but were charged with batons immediately. The police at Sannidhanam are not in riot gear. In case of any action, it will be done by the escorting cops who are ready for taking action.

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