Chandy asks DGP to withdraw security cover

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has decided to shed the security cover that has been creating troubles for him ever since his swearing-in as Chief Minister.Chandy had written to DirectorGeneral of Police Jacob Punnoose asking him to withdraw the bomb squad, dog squad, fire engine and ambulance accompanying his convoy.Chandy, in his directive, said that such security measures were not needed for him as he had no security threat. He also expressed his willingness to take any risk in this regard and said he was ready to commute without any police escort.However, sources said that the police would provide an escort and a pilot vehicle to the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister was given Zcategory cover with as many as 22 security personnel accompanying him along with his convoy.In fact, the same security cover that was given to former Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan is doing duty for Oommen Chandy.Chandy, who is known to be very secure amidst people, was frustrated with the tight security cover for him. He had even received complaints about securitymen creating headache to the public who arrive to meet the Chief Minister during the functions attended by him.From now on, the Chief Minister of the state will be commuting with just a police escort vehicle. Not jut this, the Chief Minister has lifted the restrictions imposed on visitors to the Government Secretariat by the previous LDF Government.The Chief Minister's Office itself has been thrown open to the public so that there would not be any restriction on anyone to enter his office. During the LDF regime, visitors were allowed into the Secretariat only in the evening and even there were restrictions for media personnel. Now all restrictions have been lifted.