Strike hits normal life in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 5 (UNI) The dawn-to-dusk Hartal, called separately by the ruling Marxist-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and BJP against the Centre's decision to hike fuel prices, paralysed normal life in Kerala today.

However, no incident of violence was reported from any part of the state.

Vehicles, including private and Kerala State Road Transport Corporation buses, kept off the roads. However, some private vehicles and two-wheelers were found plying.

Shops and business establishments, including hotels, remained closed.

Educational institutions remained closed and government offices worked with low attendence.

However, the IT sector in the state was functioned normally as the companies made arrangements to bring their staff in vehicles.

University examinations were postponed while the Kerala State Public Service Commission decided not to delay its scheduled interviews.

However, essential services like milk, electricity supply and hospitals were exempted from the Hartal.

UNI CGV GM KK HS1149