Express News Service
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the backdrop of the Sabarimala standoff between the state government and Hindutva outfits, the Chief Minister’s security has been beefed up. Intelligence reports have been pouring in regarding chances of aggressive protests or attacks directed against Pinarayi Vijayan and it was in this context that the security has been increased. Black flags were waved at the CM by Yuva Morcha activists in Kollam the other day.
One of the intelligence sources revealed the CM’s security has been scaled up to unprecedented levels and plainclothes officers have been deployed in large numbers to thwart any undesirable acts from the part of the right-wingers.
“The decision has been taken in the wake of the existing law and order situation. Though the situation is under control, there has been threats from a section that is irked by the stand taken by the CM in Sabarimala issue. There are specific inputs on possibility of groups confronting the CM’s motorcade. Hence we are giving maximum security cover to him,” sources said.
Apart from the CM’s regular security detail, the local police have been also asked to maintain vigil. “Directives have gone to the SPs and DySPs to ensure that there is no disturbances along the CM’s traffic route. All the main pockets, where traffic obstruction could develop, have been manned by officers. This is to ensure that the motorcade can pass through quickly,” said one of the SPs.
Pinarayi was in the UAE when protest intensified over visit of women devotees to Sabarimala. After returning, he had been vocal against anti-women protesters and even Pandalam royal family over their rights on Sabarimala shrine.
Ever since the Sabarimala issue boiled over, clashes between the CPM and BJP have been reported from several parts of the state and that’s said to be another key factor that prompted the police to mount heavy surveillance and security measures in programmes attended by the CM.
