Hartal day violence

The nationwide trade union hartal was total in Kerala but it witnessed sporadic violence. Incidents of clashes reported from various places are due to the backing of the hartal by the State Government. The protestors blocked vehicles, smashed glasses of cars, and forcefully closed hotels and business establishments. They know that no police case must be taken against them. The KSRTC cancelled all its services for the first time in the history of Kerala.

As the hartal was a preplanned one it was enjoyed as a festival day by organised employees with full salary. There was no dies- non and it is unlikely to declare one for the day. The government sponsored hartal was thus enjoyed by all except daily wagers, ailing and the aged ones.
And this drill will continue unabatedly for five- six days every year taking the state to shame.

K A Solaman