Thiruvananthapuram: The two-day nationwide strike called by various trade unions from Wednesday appeared to have evoked total response in Kerala, as shops and other establishments in the state downed their shutters and majority of the people preferred to remain indoors.
Barring two wheelers, all modes of transport, including buses, trucks, autorickshaws and taxis remained off the roads. All business establishments, including hotels and educational institutions remained closed.
"So far, everything appears to be quiet. It appears that people are in a holiday mood. We are ready to provide police help if the state road transport corporation asks for it to run their services," Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan told reporters at the state secretariat here before the start of the weekly cabinet meeting.
Security has been tightened and no violence has been reported from anywhere. Police have offered protection to those willing to work and public conveyances ready to ply, police sources said.
Emergency services like health care, milk supply and media have been exempted from the strike.
The Congress-led UDF government has declared 'dies non' (no work, no pay) as pro-Left service and teachers unions are also striking work.
(With agency inputs)