Backtracking on Earlier Statements; CM to Get More Police Security Amid Intensifying Protests

Thiruvananthapuram: More police personnel will be deployed for the security of Chief Minister V D Satheesan amid intensifying protests. The decision has been taken to deploy additional police forces at programmes attended by the Chief Minister.

The Intelligence Chief had instructed district police chiefs to deploy additional forces at the Chief Minister's official programme scheduled to be held in Thiruvananthapuram today. The instruction was issued to remain vigilant against uncontrolled crowds approaching the Chief Minister and getting too close to him or making physical contact.

The Intelligence Chief has also directed that, in addition to uniformed personnel accompanying the Chief Minister, police officers in plain clothes should be deployed along the routes he travels, apart from at public programmes.

The instruction comes amid mounting protests against the CM over the failures of the government including power shortage. Recently, V D Satheesan's protective details has even stopped media persons from asking questions to the Chief Minister.

When he was the Opposition Leader, V D Satheesan had strongly criticised the security arrangements for the Chief Minister and the security personnel accompanying him.

Satheesan's current security arrangements have also come under criticism, particularly in light of his earlier criticism of even the security arrangements prescribed under the protocol.

The Chief Minister's earlier statement that he would reduce security arrangements and convoy vehicles and travel with only one vehicle is also being discussed in this context.