Normal life was affected in the State capital as the two-day nationwide strike called by Central trade unions barring the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) got under way on Tuesday.
The strike resembled a hartal in the early hours of the day, with activists blocking vehicles despite the assurance given by trade unions that the passage of public would not be impeded.
The agitators picketed railway stations, resulting in late-running of trains. The protesters blocked the Venad Express at 5 a.m., which finally commenced journey one-and-a-half hours late. The protesters were forcibly removed from the tracks by the police.
Shuttle services by police
With KSRTC and private buses remaining off the road, shuttle services plied by the city police brought some solace to people who arrived at the Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station for appointments at the Regional Cancer Centre and the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology.
While no major untoward incidents were reported, autorickshaws were blocked by strike supporters at various places, including Manacaud, Overbridge and Thampanoor, and the passengers were forcibly made to disembark the vehicles. Attempts to shut offices and obstruct workers were also reported from certain parts in the district.
Government offices, especially the Secretariat, recorded low attendance. However, Technopark and certain establishments, including the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), presented a different picture. Many Technopark firms had arranged transportation facilities for their employees. Police escort was also provided for those who had requested security.
Holiday for schools
Barring a very few, government and private schools had declared holiday. While colleges refrained from declaring holidays, most recorded low attendance.
Most commercial establishments remained closed throughout the day. However, restaurants started functioning later on in the day. While many traders turned up early at the Chalai Bazaar, the oldest and largest market in the city, most decided against opening their outlets. While some attributed it to the inadequate security purportedly provided by the police, others claimed that their move was owing to the low number of footfall at shops.
Kerala Vyapari Vyasayi Ekopana Samithi district president Peringamala Ramachandran said the onus was on the police to instil confidence among traders to defy the strike call and conduct normal business. “Incidents of violence were reported in Kayamkulam and Manjeri with trade union workers forcibly closing down shops. No trader would want to open their shops under such circumstances, risking damage to their property and personal safety,” he said.
Protest meeting
While traffic remained smooth for most part of the day, a protest meeting held by the joint committee of trade unions disrupted traffic along M.G. Road.
A makeshift venue was erected by blocking one side of the road, besides blocking the stretch from the YMCA junction to Statue using ropes.
