High tech security at Padmanabhaswamy temple

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After a treasure trove was discovered at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Sunday said a hi-tech security system, including a 24-hour mobile control room, would be installed.The precious objects were discovered during the ongoing inventory by a panel appointed by the Supreme Court.Chandy , who chaired a high-level meeting over the issue, said all decisions regarding the temple, including preservation of its immense treasures, would be taken in view of the apex court's directions on the matter.However, UDF government's stand was that the invaluable assets should be protected as the temple's property by providing foolproof security at the state government's cost.The views of the Travancore royal family and the temple high priest would also be factored in while taking decisions on the temple's assets and its security, Chandy told reporters after two-hour deliberations with senior police officials.A 24-hour mobile control room will patrol areas around the temple.The Government's proposals on preserving the assets and their security would be submitted through the Additional Chief Secretary K Jayakumar, who is a member of the apex court appointed panel."Whatever steps we take, they would be taken without coming in way of the temple's customs, traditions and rituals. We know the issue involves dimensions of faith, history and archaeology," he said.On the actual value of the treasures,Chandy said he was not authorised to speak on such specifics.Devaswom (temple affairs) Minister V S Sivakumar, DGP Jacob Punnose, Additional Chief Secretary K Jayakumar were among those who attended the meeting.