Hartal peaceful, normal life affected

Thiruvananthapuram: A dawn-to-dusk hartal called by various organisations on Wednesday has affected the normal life in the state.

Although the shutdown is reportedly peaceful across the state, incidents of violence were reported in Kollam district where the protesters pelted stones at vehicles at Neendakara and Pallimukku.

Shutdown was called on different issues by pro-LDF Farmers Unions, while vehicle strike was called by Transport Workers Organisations and coastal strike by Kerala Fisheries Co-ordination committee.

Joint Action Council of LDF Karshaka Samithi has demanded, among other things, that government resolve issues connected with farmers and check fall in prices of natural rubber.

The Fisheries Co-ordination committee has demanded withdrawal of the Meenakumari Commission report on Deep sea fishing holding that recommendations would be harmful to traditional fishermen of the state.

Motor Workers Samyukta Smarasamithi called the hartal to protest the hike in third party insurance amount of vehicles.