Killing of fishemen: Bandh in Kanniyakumari total

Kanniyakumari (Tamil Nadu), Apr 3: The one-day bandh called by the Democratic Progressive Alliance parties, including the DMK, Congress, CPM, CPI, PMK, Dalit Panthers and the Muslim League, condemning the attack by the Lankan Navy on local fishermen was 'total' in Kanniyakumari district.

Almost all shops and business establishments, including petty shops remained closed and vehicular traffic came to a grinding halt.

However, people moved on two-wheelers.

All educational institutions in the district remained closed and the ongoing examinations in various schools were postponed.

. Essential services like milk, water, vegetables, medical shops and hospitals were exempted from the bandh. All shanties in the district, including the ones at Vadaseri and Kottar were closed, souces said.

Kanniyakumari, am important tourist spot, wore a deserted look due to non-arrival of tourists. The tourists, who are already here preferred to stay in doors.

Boat services to the Vivekanda rock and other places were also suspended, the sources added.

State Tourism Minister and DMK district secretary Suresh Rajan, in a press release here said the recent killing of five fishermen had shocked everyone in Tamil Nadu.

The bandh was intended to mount pressure on the Central Government to initiate measures to end the wanton killing of fishermen, he added.

UNI