Opposition-called Kerala shutdown affects normal life

A state-wide dawn-to-dusk shutdown on Monday called by the Congress-led UDF in Kerala against the "anti-people policies" by the state and Centre, affected normal life.

Shops remained closed and private buses did not operate. Although the state-owned public transport operated under police security and private vehicles were also seen plying, business establishments were closed in major towns and cities.

The United Democratic Front (UDF) shutdown was called to protest the "anti-people policies" of the Pinarayi Vijayan government in Kerala and the Narendra Modi government at the Centre.

The shutdown was also against the steep price hike of petroleum products and cooking gas.

UDF chairman and Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala said the strike will be held in a peaceful manner.

In the first three hours of the shutdown, no major trouble was reported. Some protesters at a few places tried to create problem and were taken into custody.

In the state capital, buses operating towards Tamil Nadu were found plying without any glitch. Autorickshaws were also seen on the roads.

The buses of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) units were seen operating under security cover.

Although the IT hubs in Kochi and here was functioning, the markets wore a deserted look.

Attendances in government offices, like in previous shutdowns, were expected to have many seats vacant, as most from the city outskirts would find it difficult to reach.

The police in major cities were providing transport facilities especially to patients who arrive at the railway and bus stations to the hospitals.

The Kerala government has warned that tough actions would be taken against trouble makers.

--IANS

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