THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KPCC president K Sudhakaran said that the workers and leaders are being illegally detained by misusing the legal system on account of the Chief Minister's visit. The law does not say that anyone should be bullied to protect a person's narrow interests. He clarified that the police are misusing Section 151 CrPC and legal action must be taken in this regard.

Since when did the CPM and the Chief Minister, who are proud of the tradition of the struggle, develop such disdain for protests? Muslim women in the country are not able to wear burqa and veil due to the fear of black colour of CPM's chief minister, who held black flag protests across the country. The men wearing black clothes are being chased by the police.

He also accused the police of taking steps similar to an undeclared state of emergency in districts including Kannur and Palakkad, where the Chief Minister visited. The state government is encroaching on fundamental rights, including freedom of choice of dressing, as envisaged by the Constitution. K Sudhakaran added that the Chief Minister's act of blocking public roads and jailing political opponents is objectionable. He also warned that if Congress workers are thought to be jailed for the black flag protest, then the jails will not be enough.

Meanwhile, black flag protests against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan were held at two places in Chalissery, Palakkad. Youth Congress workers protested with black flags. Later, to overcome the protest, the Chief Minister's journey from Kochi to Palakkad was made by helicopter. Heavy security has been prepared for the Chief Minister in case of widespread Congress protests on fuel cess.