Protocol violation: LG opts not to press charges

KOZHIKODE: Puducherry will not lodge an official protest on the protocol violation that took place at the Calicut International Airport, Karipur, during the Union Territory’s Lieutenant Governor’s visit on Thursday. Puducherry Raj Niwas sources told DC that Lieutenant Governor Lt-Gen. Ajay Kumar Singh was not keen on taking the issue further.

The LG, on his arrival on Thursday morning at the airport, had to go along with other passengers in an airport bus to the terminal whereas the department vehicle which was supposed to take him to the terminal mistakenly carried senior DMK leader Arcot N. Veeraswami, leaving the Mahe Regional Administrator red-faced.

Speaking to DC, Lieutenant Governor’s secretary T Srikanth said, “We are not taking it as a serious protocol breach. Although we had written to the Airport authorities to make necessary arrangements for the LG’s visit, I think the incident happened due to a miscommunication. The LG is also aware of it and he just enquired about it with the Protocol Officer.” he said.

He also rejected the news that the protocol violation was repeated while he was going back as there were no vehicles available to take the LG to the aircraft.

“The LG opted to walk to the aircraft and thre was no such protocol breach on the way back,’ he added.

Lt-Gen Ajay Kumar Singh, who is also the LG of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, was on a one-day official visit to Mahe, the administrative unit of Puducherry.