The 12-hour hartal called by fishermen in coastal villages, rubber planters in the high ranges, and the strike by transport workers on Wednesday passed off peacefully in the city. However, normal life was affected as public transport vehicles stayed off the road and banks and shops downed shutters.
Though the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operated a few buses in the morning, the utility suspended its operations after buses were stopped at Venjaramoodu, Vithura, Attingal, Kaniyapuram, and Palode by strike supporters. Private vehicles plied as usual. Government offices reported thin attendance. No untoward incidents were reported in the city, though there were attempts to force shops to down shutters in coastal areas. Hartal supporters took out rallies to the Secretariat and Accountant General’s Office near Statue.
