Barring isolated minor incidents of stone-throwing, the dawn to dusk hartal in the district was total and peaceful.
The hartal was called for by the “toll virudha samarasamithy” against the toll collection at the Paliakkara toll plaza. It was supported by the BJP and the CPI.
Supporters pelted stones at a few KSRTC buses at Puthukkad. Incidents of stone pelting at private vehicles were also reported from Venkidangu and Aranattukara.
The police had to intervene to disperse angry supporters. Some rural areas of the district, including Nanthikkara, Mupliyam, Arangottuk- ara and Paravattani witnessed heated exchanges between supporters and commuters.
Private buses did not ply in the district; however, KSRTC buses operated local and inter district services. Auto rickshaws and taxi services also kept off the road.
Government employees absented themselves from work. Students were absent from educational institutions and business establishments remained closed.
Supporters forced businesses to close in the morning. Transactions at the banks were also negligible.
Samarasamithy staged a protest march to the toll plaza on Friday morning.
