CM says 'no' to excessive security; orders fewer police officers

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: 92 cops were assigned for security duty during the chief minister's visit to Shanthigiri. The chief minister's office came to the notice of this and reduced the number of policemen. The action was taken stating that excessive security was not required.

More policemen were assigned for security in anticipation of the possibility of protests from various political parties against Chief Minister V D Satheesan. The security team consisted of 22 sub inspectors, three DySPs and around fifty officers in Mufti. These are officers from Nedumangad, Attingal and Varkala police sub-divisions.

Noticing that more people were assigned, the chief minister's office issued an order assigning the responsibility only to the police officers of Nedumangad sub-division.
Satheesan had earlier directed to avoid large convoys of vehicles and over-security vehicles that would cause inconvenience to the people during their journeys. The directive was that no other vehicles should be used except for the pilot and escort. He instructed top police officials not to cause trouble to the people or block the roads for the chief minister's journey. Although he requested that the escort be omitted, the police had taken the stand that it could not be omitted for security reasons. The chief minister has also made it clear that he does not want the guard of honour provided by the police during official visits.