Security tightened for Keralam Chief Minister amid continuing protests

Security arrangements for Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan have been tightened in light of the continuing protests, primarily by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers.

More police personnel, including uniformed and plainclothes officers, were deployed at venues where the Chief Minister participated in official programmes on Wednesday (September 30). Police personnel were also positioned along routes used by the Chief Minister and Ministers. Particular attention was given to roads along the route from Cliff House.

Nonetheless, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha activists staged black-flag protests against Mr. Satheesan during the wee hours of the day shortly after his arrival at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport from New Delhi, and later in the evening.

In both instances, the protesters attempted to disrupt the convoy and raised slogans while displaying black flags. But, the Chief Minister’s convoy proceeded without stopping.

The decision to strengthen security was taken after a series of demonstrations targeting the Chief Minister and Ministers by BJP workers allegedly in retaliation to protests by Youth Congress activists during Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent visit to Kollam.

The convoys of various Ministers, including Sports and Youth Affairs Minister O.J. Janeesh, were obstructed a day ago.

Besides, the Intelligence wing of Kerala Police recently directed District Police Chiefs to intensity security measures at public functions to prevent crowds from coming in close contact with him.

Meanwhile, Mr. Satheesan reportedly conveyed to the police that he does not require an additional security vehicle in his convoy beyond his regular security detail. The instruction was apparently given when he was arrived to attend a programme in the State capital, when he purportedly expressed displeasure over the extra security measures.

According to official sources, the Chief Minister’s convoy comprises a pilot vehicle and an escort vehicle. Police officials have clarified that the additional vehicle was not part of his convoy and had inadvertantly travelled ahead of it because it was heading to the same destination.