Kozhikode: The dawn to dusk hartal called by the CPM in connection with the hacking of Kuthuparamba local committee member Kuzhichalil Mohanan, affected public life in Kannur on Tuesday. Though there were announcements that vehicles would not be stopped, buses including the KSRTC did not ply, fearing attack. Vijayadasami celebrations were the most affected.
Many parents had to either refix their schedules or confine to their areas for initiating their toddlers into the world of letters. There was criticism over the hartal being held on a festival day, when thousands of children visit temples and other venues to take their first steps into education.
However, students in schools and colleges were spared on account of the holidays, and no violence was reported in connection with the hartal. Passengers from other districts and people heading for emergency services were among the affected lot.
Police is camping in Thalassery and Kuthuparamba areas to prevent any untoward incidents after the murder. Prohibitory orders were issued in Kuthuparamba for three days according to the Kerala Police Act.
According to reports, RSS/BJP workers are fleeing their areas to avoid arrests while their houses are being targetted.
