People should not be stopped on roads: Satheesan calls for minimal convoy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Police has decided to continue Z-Plus category security for V.D. Satheesan as he takes over as Chief Minister. Z-Plus is the highest level of security in the country after SPG protection, and in the state, it is currently reserved for the Governor and the Chief Minister. According to the Union Home Ministry’s 'Blue Book', Z-Plus security requires 55 security personnel, including commandos and 25 armed guards, to accompany the individual during travel and public events.

Chief Minister-designate V.D. Satheesan informed DGP Ravada Chandrasekhar that he prefers a minimal security detail, requesting only a pilot vehicle. However, the DGP maintained that official escort vehicles cannot be completely avoided under existing protocols.

During the tenure of Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chief Minister’s convoy often consisted of more than 14 vehicles. A Security Review Committee comprising the Home Secretary, the DGP, the Intelligence Chief, and the IB Deputy Director will examine whether such extensive security is necessary. If there is a security threat, this category of protection will have to continue.

Under the Z-plus security protocol, people must remain 200 meters away during public events and travel. Small roads leading to the route taken by the convoy must also be closed. Vehicle parking will not be allowed. The venue of public meetings must be brought under police control two hours in advance. The Secretariat and Cliff House will also continue as special security zones. V. D. Satheesan’s position is that none of this is acceptable.

Satheesan has given strict instructions to the DGP that the public should not face inconvenience because of the Chief Minister’s travel. People should not be stopped on the roads for his passage. He also instructed that roads should not be blocked and traffic signals should not be turned off.

The black Innova and Kia Carnival that had been purchased for Pinarayi Vijayan’s travel have been taken back by the police. Satheesan will travel in a white Innova.

“V. D. Satheesan requested that there should be no escort vehicles. But the security mandated by rules cannot be avoided. His request to avoid traffic restrictions will be implemented.”

-Ravada Chandrasekhar, State Police Chief