KOZHIKODE: The Latin Catholic Church has banned black at the centenary celebrations of Calicut diocese.The diocese banned black masks and clothes because the event was attended by the chief minister.

The organizing committee has recommended that those attending the centenary celebrations should not wear black masks or duppattas. The authorities informed that the decision was based on police instructions.

Security has been beefed up in Kozhikode as part of the CM's official functions. About 500 policemen have been deployed for security. Security is overseen by 11 DYSPs and 30 SIs.

Police have been deployed from Ramanatturkara to Mahe. The venues are under the control of police from afternoon onwards. There is a strict condition that only those who arrive one hour before the event will be admitted.

This restriction applies to journalists as well. CM's first function in the district was a book release at 3.30 pm at the Tripenta Hotel. Later, he inaugurated the Women and Children block of the District Co-operative Hospital at 4 p.m. The centenary celebrations of the diocese is the last event on CM's schedule today.