Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 12 (IANS): The Kozhikode Archdiocese of the Catholic church in Kerala has asked the devotees not to wear black clothes and masks during the centenary celebration function, to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, at Kozhikode on Sunday.

The instructions were issued in wake of Vijayan's "newfound aversion" to the black colour.

It may be noted that the Kerala police are providing "unprecedented" security to the Chief Minister following the claims made by gold smuggling case accused, Swapna Suresh, who alleged that Vijayan and his family including his wife and daughter had "links" with the gold smuggling racket.

Opposition Congress, Muslim League and the BJP are on street in protest against the Chief Minister, which led the police to increase Vijayan's security cover and bring in several restrictions.

The church in a WhatsApp communication informed devotees said that the intructions are issued following the direction from the state police that no participants should wear black clothes or black masks.

It may be noted that the Kerala police had "forcefully" blocked the people, even octogenarians, who were wearing black masks or clothes during the Chief Minister's programme.

Two transgender people who had worn black clothes in Kochi on Saturday and who had reached the metro station to board a train were blocked by the Kerala police, and took them in custody when they questioned the audacity of the police to block them.

Even black umbrella is not being allowed in the state during Chief Minister's programme.

Kerala leader of opposition and senior Congress leader, V.D. Satheeshan has in a press conference at Kochi on Sunday mocked that "the Chief Minister's mind has also turned black".

A priest who is part of the organising committee of the centenary celebrations told IANS, "This was never heard of and we have no other options other than sending a message to our devotees to participate in the programme without wearing black clothes or black masks. This is due to the directive that we got from the Kozhikode police."