A statewide hartal called in protest against the death of a BDS student brought normal life to a grinding halt across Kerala on Tuesday. Protesters blocked roads, including major highways, at multiple locations, leading to severe disruptions in vehicular movement. Shops and business establishments were forced to down their shutters as a precautionary measure.
Widespread Disruptions
The dawn-to-dusk strike, supported by various political and student organizations, saw activists taking to the streets in large numbers. Public transport services, including buses and auto-rickshaws, remained off the roads in several districts, leaving commuters stranded. The police were deployed in strength to prevent any untoward incidents.
Blockades on Highways
Key arterial roads and national highways witnessed blockades, with protesters burning tires and staging sit-ins. The Kochi-Mangalore highway and the Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram stretch were among the worst affected. Long queues of vehicles formed as traffic came to a standstill at several points.
Educational institutions and government offices remained closed in many areas, while private establishments also downed their shutters. The hartal evoked a mixed response across the state, with some regions witnessing complete shutdown and others experiencing partial disruptions.
Background of the Protest
The protest was triggered by the alleged suicide of a BDS student, which has sparked outrage among student bodies and opposition parties. They accuse the government of negligence in handling the case and demand a thorough investigation. The deceased student's family has also alleged foul play.
Leaders from various political parties extended their support to the hartal, calling it a peaceful expression of solidarity with the bereaved family. However, the ruling party criticized the strike, terming it an unnecessary disruption to public life.
As the day progressed, the situation remained tense but largely peaceful, with no major incidents of violence reported. The authorities have urged all parties to maintain peace and allow the legal process to take its course.
