KANNUR: LDF convener E P Jayarajan has justified asking people to remove their black masks in the name of providing security for Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Malappuram. Why is it so necessary to wear only black masks? Are they wearing black shirts everywhere?, asked E P Jayarajan.

Jayarajan also justified the detention of transgenders in Kochi for wearing black clothes. They are poor people. They have been brought there by BJP activists, he said. Prior to the arrival of the chief minister for the inauguration of Karkinos Health Laboratory at the Kaloor Metro Station building, a team of more than 200 policemen and five assistant commissioners were deployed for road traffic control in the area. The entrance towards Aluva area of the metro station was closed and pedestrians were halted. Transgender Avanthika and her friend, who questioned the move, were forcibly taken into custody. Both of them were wearing black clothes.

Black masks are being used for protests, said Minister M V Govindan. The chief minister requires security and it will not create trouble for the people, he added.

Meantime, the district police chief said that no instructions were given to remove masks. Although there has been no directive from the chief minister’s office, hints suggest that the police are being persuaded to ban black clothes out of fear that it could be used for black flag protests.