Thiruvananthapuram: The statewide dawn-to-dusk hartal, called by the BJP, to protest the murder of a party activist Ramith at Kannur, began today.
Hospitals, medical stores, milk and newspaper distribution have been exempted from hartal.
Marriage parties, those going to attend funerals and vehicles bound to airports as well as Hajj and Sabarimala pilgrims have also been exempted.
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Mahe town exempted from hartal
Mayyazhi: Mahe town area has been exempted from hartal in the wake ‘Thirunal’ in Mahe Church. However, hartal will be observed in rest of Mahe including Panthakkal and Pallur regions.
The harthal was peaceful in almost all districts except Kozhikode where a stationery shop owned by a BJP worker Manu at Peruvayal in Kozhikode was set on fire by a group of people. However, vehicles kept off the roads including KSRTC bus services. Only some private vehicles and two-wheelers are plying in the morning.
Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place by the police to prevent any untoward incidents. DGP Loknath Behera urged all citizens to help ensure peace and to prevent violence and destruction of public property.
Strong action will be initiated against those who try to block vehicles or engage in violence.
In addition, six companies of CRPF have been deployed in conflict-prone areas including Kuthuparamba and Thalassery regions.
Kolassery, Pinarayi and Kathirur are under the control of police. ADGP Sukesh Kumar visited Thalassery following the murder of BJP worker Ramith in Pinarayi.
Besides the ADGP, IG Dinendra Kashyap and SP K Karthik are camping at Thalassery.
