The hartal called by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] on Monday in protest against the murder of party member Mathilakathu Shihabudheen (38) was total in the district.
CPI(M) Thirunellur branch committee member Shihabudheen was hacked to death allegedly by RSS activists on his way home to Pavaratty on Sunday night. He suffered injuries on his head and hands. Though he was rushed to a hospital, his life could not be saved.
Shops and business establishments in the district remained closed on Monday. Public vehicles including taxis and autorickshaws kept off the road. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) conducted services in some areas. Heavy rush was witnessed in trains. The photograph camp in connection with the distribution of ration cards was postponed in various places. Hotels also remained closed.
Tight security was put in place across the district. Guruvayur and the neighbouring areas were exempted from the hartal in the wake of the annual festival that began on Monday. Sporadic violence was reported from many parts of the district. There were attacks against the houses of BJP activists at Thirunellur and Parambalathy in Mullassery panchayat.
Hundreds of party supporters participated in a protest rally in Thrissur city. Protest marches were organised at several places including Venkidangu, Mullassery, Pavaratty and Elavally. The hartal created hardship for hundreds of students, who had to appear for various public examinations.
Tight security was arranged at Thrissur Medial College Hospital where the post-mortem of Shihabudheen was conducted.
