Dawn-to-dusk hartals called by fishers and fish workers in the coastal belt and by rubber growers in the high ranges coupled with a general strike organised by major motor transport workers have hit life in most parts of Kerala.
The shut down is almost total with most shops and commercial establishments also joining the hartal in the absence of public transport facilities. The fishers and fish workers, under the umbrella of Kerala Fisheries Coordination Committee, have called the hartal to protest against the recommendations of the Meenakumari Committee. The rubber growers and dealers have called the hartal to protest against absence of strong measures to keep the price of natural rubber steady. The joint action council of motor transport workers, comprising unions owning allegiance to CITU, INTUC, AITUC and BMS besides many other major unions, has called the general strike to protest against hike vehicle insurance premium.
Attendance in government offices and educational institutions is low. Universities have postponed examinations scheduled for today. All major markets are remaining shut. Functioning of banks and other financial institutions too have been hit. Private vehicles, mostly two wheelers, are plying, but in very small numbers. The hartal would draw to a close at 6 p.m.
