Following a heated confrontation with student activists, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has been upgraded to Z+ security by the Centre. The incident happened in Kollam district, approximately 40 kilometers from State capital Thiruvananthapuram, where members of the CPI(M)-linked Students Federation of India (SFI) staged a black flag protest against the Governor.
A social media post from the Governor’s office confirmed the extension of Z+ security cover by the CRPF, informed a communiqué from the Union Home Ministry.
The standoff occurred as Governor Khan, en route to an event, halted his vehicle upon encountering the SFI protestors on the roadside. Exiting his car, he approached the students, urging them to come forward. Khan accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of fostering lawlessness in the State and demanded action against the protestors.
The impasse lasted for two hours, during which the Governor remained seated on the roadside, expressing his dissatisfaction with the authorities’ response. Khan clarified he was not staging a protest but awaiting the police to furnish a copy of the FIR, following his plea for action against the CPI(M)-affiliated SFI activists.
After receiving the FIR against 17 SFI activists under non-bailable provisions, Governor Khan departed from the scene. In subsequent remarks to reporters, he continued to criticize CM Vijayan, alleging that the latter was instructing the police to shield individuals facing criminal charges.
The ongoing discord between Governor Khan and the Left Government has been characterized by disagreements over various issues, including university operations and the Governor’s refusal to endorse certain bills passed by the Assembly.
