The 12-hour hartal called by the Left parties and the Bharatiya Janata Party in Kerala against the petroleum price hike has brought Kochi to a standstill. A handful of private vehicles were seen on the roads. Shops and business establishments remained closed. No public transport was available and policemen were seen at some localities giving lifts to stranded people in police vehicles.
Miscreants set fire to a heap of used tyres on National Highway 47 near Palarivattam. The police put out the fire immediately with the help of the local people. No one was injured in the incident.
