CPM hartal begins, violence persists in Kannur

KANNUR/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State-wide dawn-to-dusk hartal called for by the CPM in protest of P Jayarajan’s arrest has commenced from 6 AM today.


Tight security has been arranged in the violence-infested district Kannur and two companies of RAF have been deployed there as demanded by the government.


No vehicles save two-wheelers had hit the road in the district.


The effects of the hartal id strongly felt in the southern and central parts of the state. Autorickshaws, taxi cabs and private buses did not ply.


Violence has not ceased in Kannur despite the imposition of section 144.


Three offices of Congress in Pinarayi, CPM offices in Kannur station road and League offices in Edatode were attacked.


In Nadapuram, a congress member’s shop was set on fire.


Stones were pelted at KSRTC buses in Kottayam and hartal supporters blocked vehicles in Kalpatta, Vypin and Puthussery.


Two conducters who came to report for work were assaulted in Nedumangad.