Kozhikode: The hartal called by some organizations including the CPI-M-led LDF against the notification issued by the Union government to implement the Kasturirangan panel report in Western Ghat regions has begun.
The 12-hour shut-down is being observed at Koodarinji, Puthuppadi, Kodencheri and Thiruvambadi regions of Kozhikode.
The protesters were seen trying to blockade transportation. The crowd also attacked media persons and burnt newspaper bundles early on the day near Adivaram here.
The LDF has also called for a hartal in Idukki and Wayanad districts on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Finance minister K M Mani demanded a review of the decision of the Union government. "The hasty decision of the central government, ignoring the demands of Kerala, has to be condemned. The report should be implemented only after excluding the anti-farmer clauses in it," Mani said in Thiruvananthapuram.
He said the decision was untimely as the expert committee appointed by the state government was in the process of collecting public response on the report.