In Kerala, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan's security has been extended to Z level by the Union Home Ministry, led by BJP's Amit Shah. This decision was conveyed to the Kerala Raj Bhavan after Governor Khan faced protests from activists, allegedly associated with the Student Federation of India (SFI) in Kollam.

Dramatic events unfolded in Kollam district on Saturday when Governor Khan encountered a black flag protest by SFI members. He stepped out of his car, confronted the protesting students, sat on the roadside, and criticized Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, adding fuel to the ongoing tension between Raj Bhavan and the ruling LDF.

"It is the Chief Minister who directs the police to protect these lawbreakers, many of whom, including the state president of SFI, have pending criminal cases," Khan accused.

Khan clarified that he wasn't protesting but waiting for the police to provide him with a copy of the FIR, demanded action against the protesting SFI members affiliated with CPI-M.

The incident took place in Nilamel, Kollam, about 40 km from the state capital Thiruvananthapuram.

After a standoff lasting over two hours, Khan left only after being shown a copy of the FIR against 17 SFI activists under serious legal provisions.

He also questioned whether the protesters would have been allowed to line up alongside the police if the Chief Minister had been passing through the area.

Governor Khan alleged that the protesters attempted to attack his vehicle.

While traveling from Thiruvananthapuram to Kottarakkara, Khan encountered SFI protesters waving black flags and banners with messages like "Sanghi Chancellor go back."

In response, Khan stopped his vehicle, approached the protesters, and engaged with them verbally.

After the police removed the protesters, Khan sat on a chair from a nearby shop, demanding action against the agitators.

Television visuals showed Khan instructing his staff to contact the Police Commissioner or the Prime Minister's Office, refusing to resume his journey as long as the police continued to protect the protesters.

"If the police themselves are breaking the law, who will uphold it?" he questioned.

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