With a prolonged session of the Legislative Assembly set to commence on Monday, the Thiruvananthapuram city police have geared up to handle a possible spurt in demonstrations that are likely to affect normal life.
The session is being convened in the wake of various issues, many of which are likely to witness demonstrations by political parties and organisations. Kicking off the ‘season’ of protests will be an agitation that will be conducted by bus operators in front of the Secretariat on Monday as a prelude to their indefinite strike to demand a hike in fares. Coastal residents under the aegis of the Kerala Mathyamekhala Vidyarthi Samithi will take out a mass rally to the Assembly on Tuesday in connection with the Ockhi relief package. The controversy surrounding the allegations of land encroachment against former Minister Thomas Chandy is yet another issue that could witness demonstrations.
Elaborate deployment scheme
The police have put in place an elaborate deployment scheme that could bring the city under tight surveillance and security measures. Additional deployments will be made from the Armed Reserve Camp and the Special Armed Police Battalion, according to District Police Chief (Thiruvananthapuram City) P. Prakash.
Besides, striking forces will be readied for deployment to tackle agitations. Women police personnel from the Thiruvananthapuram rural police limits will be deputed for security in the city in view of the possible demonstrations. Teams led by Circle Inspectors will be stationed at various points, including near the War Memorial and the G.V. Raja Pavilion, to control protest marches and handle vehicular flow. The security measures will be implemented under the supervision of the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Control Room.
