The Hindu Business Line : Shiv Sena hartal evokes partial response in Kerala

The hartal called by the Shiv Sena evoked mixed response in Kochi. Barring private buses and trucks, most vehicles were seen plying. However almost all the shops remained closed. -- K.K. Mustafah

Thiruvananthapuram , Dec. 16

THE dawn-to-dusk hartal called by the Shiv Sena in the Southern districts of Kerala evoked a partial response in Thiruvananthapuram. Though the hartal was reported to be largely peaceful till late in the afternoon, a few isolated incidents of stone throwing were reported from the city's suburbs.

Shops and business establishments in most parts of the city, including those on the arterial Mahatma Gandhi Road and also in the main Chalai market were closed through the day. Private buses and taxis too kept off the roads, though autorickshaws plied in some parts of the city. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), however, operated its services and a large number of private automobiles and two-wheelers were also on the roads.

The hartal covered Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha and Ernakulam districts of Kerala in addition to Thiruvananthapuram. It was called to protest the alleged police action against Shiv Sena activists who were on a rally from Thiruvananthapuram to the Sabarimala temple demanding that the KSRTC stop collecting a surcharge from pilgrims travelling to Sabarimala.

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