The Kerala Police downgraded Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan's personal security from Z+ to Y category. The security review committee reassessed threat levels for many VIPs. Mr. Vijayan will now use a pilot vehicle instead of a convoy. Other leaders also got revised security arrangements as part of this change.
The Kerala Police has downgraded Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan's personal security from Z+ to Y category.
The decision was made by the security review coordination committee that also reassessed the security arrangements for the protection of other VIPs, including politicians and judicial officers.
Mr. Vijayan will have a pilot vehicle instead of a convoy while travelling. His security details will also include two personal security guards (PSG).
The revised security classifications were issued to Inspector Generals, Deputy Inspectors Generals and District Police Chiefs a few days ago. The review was undertaken to assess the existing threat levels of various leaders, official sources said.
The Governor and Chief Minister have been assigned the highest security category of Z+, while State Ministers, Speaker and Deputy Speaker will receive Y category security with escort.
Among senior politicians, former Chief Minister A.K. Antony will receive Z category security. Union Home Minister of State for Petroleum and Tourism Suresh Gopi, Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] general secretary M.A. Baby and CPI(M) leader P. Jayarajan have been allotted a security category of Y. CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan will receive X category security.
The police have also scaled down or withdrawn security provided earlier to various leaders. Hindu Aikya Vedi leader Valsan Thillankeri, who previously had two PSGs, will only have one as per the revised security arrangements. Besides, the security of BJP State general secretary M.T. Ramesh has been withdrawn.