Kozhikode: At a time when Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's heightened security measures and intolerance to black flag protests are inviting widespread criticism, black clothes and masks were banned at the Government Arts and Science College at Meenchanda in Kozhikode where he took part in a programme on Sunday, reported Manorama News.
The college authorities banned students and staff from wearing anything in black, while the CM took part in the second Biodiversity Congress organised at the institution.
Earlier, cops took a handful of Kerala Students Union (KSU) members into custody as a precautionary measure.
CM's convoy travelled from Kozhikode Government Guest House to the college amid heavy security arrangements.
The CM will also be taking part in a private function on Sunday evening.
Police double down on CM Pinarayi's security; convoy gets longer
The CM is currently being provided with double the security cover than usual. He is provided with Z-plus category security. At the start of the convoy, there are two pilot vehicles after which comes the Chief Minister's car. This is followed by two escort vehicles, a striker force of commandos and finally one car.
A total of seven vehicles with around 30-40 cops are in the convoy. Now, the CM travels with twice the number of vehicles.
If in Thiruvananthapuram city, the convoy consists of the Assistant Superintendent of Police in charge of law and order, 2 Deputy Superintendents of Police of the Special Branch with law and order charge as well as cops, strike force of 15 commandos, the Station House Officer and personnel of the local police station, the vehicle of the control room, ambulance and fire engine.
In other districts, the Superintendent of Police of that district would also follow. The vehicle and cops of the stations are also mostly deployed for this.
Up to 80 cops would be required for escort, security and clearing the traffic. The police would be deployed every 50 metre, hours in advance.
The police are also imposing traffic restrictions and parking bans, and blocking bylanes to the road through which the CM is travelling, until the CM reaches the destination.
The Special Branch prepares the plan for police deployment.
The security has been enhanced in view of the vehement protests by the Opposition.
