In light of the escalating tensions between Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and the Student Federation of India (SFI), an affiliate of the ruling CPI(M) party, the Union Home Ministry took a significant step on Saturday by extending Z+ security coverage to both Raj Bhavan and the Governor himself.
This decision followed a dramatic incident where Governor Khan engaged in a roadside sit-in protest in response to a demonstration by SFI members who had waved black flags and chanted slogans against him. The event unfolded in Kollam district, approximately 40 kilometers away from the state capital.
Expressing visible displeasure at the protest, Governor Khan stepped out of his vehicle to directly confront the students, demanding accountability and action from the authorities. The confrontation continued as police eventually intervened to remove the protesters from the scene.
During the standoff, Governor Khan resorted to sitting on a chair acquired from a nearby shop, adamantly refusing to leave until provided with a copy of the FIR filed against the SFI activists involved. The situation prolonged for over two hours, during which Khan engaged in heated discussions with law enforcement officials, even requesting to speak with the Police Commissioner.
Ultimately, the police presented him with a copy of the FIR, which had been lodged against 17 SFI activists under serious legal provisions. Governor Khan seized the opportunity to criticize Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, accusing him of fostering a culture of lawlessness in the state and insinuating that Vijayan directed the police to protect the alleged lawbreakers, including the state president of SFI, who faces multiple pending criminal cases.
Furthermore, Khan raised questions about the impartiality of law enforcement, wondering aloud whether the protesters would have been allowed to stage their demonstration alongside police personnel if it had been Chief Minister Vijayan passing through the area instead.
In addition to these accusations, Governor Khan also claimed that the protesters had attempted to damage his vehicle, adding another layer of concern to the already tense situation.
