Kerala Guv Arif Mohammad Khan Stages Roadside Protest After SFI Activists Show Black Flags

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan deviated from the customary protocols of his office and initiated an impromptu sit-in protest on the roadside in Nilamel, Kollam district on Saturday. The protest was prompted by the alleged failure of the police to suppress a black flag demonstration, with the governor demanding stringent action against activists from the Student Federation of India (SFI) who displayed banners and slogans against him in Nilamel.

While traversing a road in Kollam on Saturday, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan encountered black flags from SFI activists. Despite his motorcade being heavily escorted by police, SFI students staged a black flag protest. Subsequently, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan declared his intention not to leave the area, asserting that the police were providing protection to the protestors.

Following the SFI-led protest in Kollam, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan affirmed, "I will not leave from here. Police are providing them protection."

The incident unfolded as the Governor was en route to Kottarakka to inaugurate an ashram's centenary. During his journey, SFI activists from a private college reportedly assembled on the roadside, chanting slogans. Eyewitnesses noted that the protesters attempted to approach the Governor's cavalcade, but the police on duty directed them back to the roadside.

However, Governor Arif Khan purportedly exited the car and approached the policemen, expressing anger and accusing them of safeguarding the SFI activists.

This incident adds to a series of prior confrontations between Governor Arif Khan and the SFI, with protests occurring in Idukki and Thiruvananthapuram as well.