Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan
A tense situation has been prevailing in Calicut University campus since yesterday. On December 17, Governor Dr Arif Mohammed Khan asked the police officers to remove the ‘anti-Arif Mohammed Khan’ banners, erected in the campus, by the SFI men. But, since police had not acted until the evening, the governor asked the District Police Chief (SP) to see that all banners are removed. The governor even summoned the Vice Chancellor Dr MK Jayaraj to the Varisty Guest House and sought explanation for not removing the banners.
When the governor came out from the guest house, he was found infuriated. He reportedly asked the SP whether he thought he would be unaccountable. He asked if SFI runs the university. He wondered if they were going to sit quiet if SFI men erect banners outside the guest house. He asked the police if they do not have eyes to see it. He also asked whether they would allow this if it happened to the Chief Minister. He did not agree when the SP tried to justify the police’s stand. He insisted on the removal of the banners.
Then the police force, led by SP of police, removed all banners. Immediately, several SFI men congregated there in the campus and re-erected the banners. The banners carried derogatory remarks and caricatures against the Governor. They were led by their state leaders. Police remained mute spectators during the entire episode. It is to be noted that hundreds of police personnel have been deployed in the campus.
In the meantime, Raj Bhavan’s Secretary has sought explanation from the Vice Chancellor regarding the erection of anti-Governor banners in the campus.
But, still Governor is not in a mood to give in. He addressed the media outside the guest house on December 18 morning. He repeated that he could not be frightened by anyone. He says he did not need any police escort; he has informed police about this. He said, protests is a camouflage to attack him. He was ready to face it. He said that everybody knows who was behind the violence in Kannur district; the same person is behind the attempt to attack him. If anyone thinks that he can be frightened, he is mistaken, Governor said. Governor added that Kerala Police is one of the best in the entire country. But, attempts are going on to silence them through political interference. He alleged that it is the CM who tries to silence the police.
Then he told the media that he was going to Kozhikode city. There are reports that he has informed the State Police Chief that he does not need police protection.
Immediately, he made a surprise visit to Kozhikode city and famous, busy mitaayi theru (sweet street), well-known place for hundreds of shops of tasty sweets and Kozhikodan haalwa. He rubbed the shoulders with the common people and visited several shops and tasted the sweets. He caressed the children. He was also seen carrying two children in either hands. He posed for selfie with the people, especially the children. He advised the kids to study well. He exchanged niceties with the people. Hundreds of people congregated to see him, talk to him and shake hands with him. He visited several shops and talked to the shop-keepers.
Later on he told the media that what was seen in the streets proved the people’s love and affection he enjoys. He said, they love him. People were so happy to see a Governor amidst them. Police personnel were relaxed as the people surrounded the Governor were friendly and affectionate.
Governor apologised to the people for the inconveniences caused to them due to the crowd. Later on the people told the media that they were so happy to see the Governor amidst them. Shopkeepers’ joy did not see leaps and bounds.
Observers see this visit to the sweet street as a sweet revenge to the violent CPM-SFI protests.
Afterwards, despite SFI’s threat that they would not let him touch the university campus, he drove back to the campus guest house sans any issue. SFI blokes did not dare to even raise the slogans against him.
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