THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After the black flag protest staged by SFI at Nilamel, the clash between the Governor and the government escalated when the Governor made the CRPF available for his own security following the intervention of the Centre.

However, it is the police who must continue to ensure law and order during the Governor's travels. CRPF has no power to register cases or investigate. The clash took a new turn as the SFI did not withdraw from the strike and the Chief Minister rejected the Governor.

The Governor has been provided Z Plus CRPF security. Central forces will provide security to the Governor during the programs and journeys. Police will remain at the Raj Bhavan gate. A team led by the DIG of the Pallipuram CRPF camp took over the security yesterday. Lt. Commander Anuj Sharma, Defense ADC to the Governor, will be in charge of coordinating the security. Earlier, 'Kerala Kaumudi' had reported that the central forces would come to provide security to the Governor.

56 policemen were appointed under the leadership of Assistant Commandant Rasheed. There will be 120 CRPF personnel in a shift. This includes those inside the Raj Bhavan. Raj Bhavan had been guarded by the CRPF for more than 10 years since 1975.

Earlier, SFI activists had stopped the Governor in the middle of the road at three places in Thiruvananthapuram. The activists attacked the car and caused damage to it, prompting the Governor to get out of the car and react angrily to the activists. Following this, a report was sent to the Centre in December. In West Bengal, Governor Ananda Bose has CRPF security.

CRPF clearance is required, travel route will be determined by IB
1. The Governor's programs will require security clearance from CRPF. The Governor can go to a function only after they check and give permission. The Governor won't be able to go anywhere where controversial people are the organisers.

2. 41 CRPF personnel will be around the Governor during the journey. The driver will be also from the CRPF. The convoy will consist of 2 pilots, two commando vehicles, a rapid inspection team, a striker force, bomb and dog squads, 2 escorts, a spare car, an ambulance and a fire force vehicle.

3. CRPF and IB shall check and decide that the route of the Governor is safe. People will have to remain 200 meters away from the Governor during events and trips. The roads leading to the road in which the convoy is travelling will also be closed. There will be police on both sides. CRPF will control the meeting place 2 hours before the meeting.