Kerala Governor Gets Z+ Security, Following Sit-in-Dharna over Alleged Lapse of Police
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan staged a two-hour sit-in protest on Saturday, expressing displeasure over the ‘lapse’ on the part of Kerala Police during an incident involving SFI (Students’ Federation of India) members.
As Governor Khan’s motorcade passed through Nilamel, SFI activists waved black flags and raised slogans. Upset that the police did not intervene before his motorcade passed, Khan stopped, walked towards the protesters, and staged a sit-in, demanding the immediate arrest of the demonstrators.
Khan emphasized the alleged preferential treatment given to the protesters, questioning the police’s failure to uphold the law. He vowed not to move until the protesters were taken into custody. After nearly 90 minutes, the police informed Khan that a case had been registered against the protesters, leading to their arrest. Following the live coverage of the sit-in protest, Khan received calls from Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar. Subsequently, it was announced on his official social media account that the Centre had decided to provide him Z+ security cover.
The sit-in protest marked Khan’s ongoing conflict with protesters, particularly SFI members. Despite the resolution of this incident, SFI activists vowed to continue their protest, setting the stage for potential future confrontations. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called a hurried press meeting to address the situation, while Khan planned to speak to the media at a private function later.
Veteran CPI-M leader E.P. Jayarajan criticized Khan’s behavior, deeming it unprecedented for a Governor. He questioned the Centre’s responsibility for Khan’s actions and suggested recalling the Governor. Education Minister V. Sivankutty accused Khan of engaging in a show-off, emphasizing the unusual nature of the Governor’s conduct.
As the aftermath of the sit-in unfolds, attention remains on the responses from the Chief Minister and the Governor, underscoring the heightened tensions in Kerala’s political landscape.
Union Home Ministry has informed Kerala Raj Bhavan that Z+ Security cover of CRPF is being extended to Hon’ble Governor and Kerala Raj Bhavan :PRO,KeralaRajBhavan
— Kerala Governor (@KeralaGovernor) January 27, 2024
