The hartal called by the CPI(M) in Kottayam Municipal area, in protest against attack on the district committee office of Motor Thozhilali Union by a group of unidentified persons on Thursday night, near total. Shops remained closed and many of the private vehicles were kept off the road. However, long distance services were held as usual. The hartal was from six o’ clock in the morning till 12 Noon.
Hartal supporters pelted stone at a car show room in Kodimatha and a shop was attacked in Kottayam Municipal Market. Police have registered cases, but no arrest have been made.
According to police, the attack on the Motor Thozhilali Union office at Thirunakkara was related to a skirmish between SFI students and activists of Campus Front. Two persons who were in the office received injuries in the attack have been admitted to Kottayam medical College hospital. The injured have been identified as Sunil Thomas and Mohammed Sajeed. Police have registered a case against 20 persons.
Police said the investigation was on but did not confirm the reports of at least one person being taken into custody for questioning.
CPI(M) activists took out a massive rally in the town alleging that the attackers were being protected by the ruling dispensation and called for immediate arrest of the culprits in the case. CPI(M) district secretary K J Thomas, and others led the march.
