Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan made headlines on Saturday, January 27, 2024, as he broke away from the conventionalities of his office and staged an impromptu sit-in protest on the roadside at Nilamel in Kollam district. The protest was triggered by the alleged failure of the police to prevent a demonstration by Student Federation of India (SFI) activists who displayed black flags during his motorcade’s passage.
The incident unfolded when SFI activists, protesting against the Chancellor’s purported efforts to appoint Sangh Parivar nominees in State-funded universities, waved black flags as the Governor’s car passed by around 11 a.m. Mr. Khan, visibly agitated, exited his vehicle and confronted the protestors, challenging them directly. He expressed his displeasure at the police for allowing the gathering of activists along his route and held them accountable for the perceived security lapse.
Refusing to heed requests from the police to continue his journey, Mr. Khan insisted on receiving a copy of the police report and demanded clarification on the charges pressed against the students. Despite repeated attempts to persuade him to move, the Governor remained steadfast in his protest, refusing to budge from his seat under the awning of a nearby tea shop.
Union Minister of External Affairs V. Muraleedharan criticized the police’s handling of the situation, alleging collusion with the SFI activists at the behest of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Muraleedharan called for clarification from Vijayan on the state of law and order in Kerala, suggesting that central forces may be required for the Governor’s security if the state police were unable to ensure his protection.
The incident has reignited tensions between political factions in Kerala, raising questions about the role of the police in maintaining order and protecting dignitaries. As discussions around the incident continue, the fallout and implications for governance and security in the state remain to be seen.
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