Trains were stopped, buses and auto-rickshaws kept off roads as the 48-hour Bharat bandh called by 10 central trade unions against "anti-labour policies" of the Central government, hit normal life in the southern state Tuesday.
The traders who tried to open their stores at Malappuram and Maancherry were stopped by those supporting the Bharat bandh. Police had to use force to remove union workers and shop owners who were getting ready for a confrontation. After the Bharat bandh supporters were removed, shop owners were able to open their shops. Kottayam witnessed complete shutdown as shops remained closed in all areas.
Meanwhile, according to PTI, trains were stopped in Thiruvananthapuram, Tripunithura, Shoranur railway stations. Venad Express, which runs from the state capital to Shoranur Junction daily, was delayed by more than one hour as agitators squatted on tracks, blocking its route, and raised slogans.
Other trains that were stopped here were Jan Shatabdi and Raptisagar Express. All trade unions except the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh have supported the Bharat bandh, which has come five days after a 'hartal' was observed by right-wing groups in protest against the entry of two young women into the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. The Sabarimala pilgrims, tourists, social and religious functions have been exempted from the Bharat bandh on Tuesday.
As there was no KSRTC service to Pamba, pilgrims are waiting at the railway station. Meanwhile, pilgrims at Nilackal said they have been waiting for hours to reach the hill shrine. Private-run buses are also keeping off roads.
At Ernakulam, neither buses nor boats were plying. Auto and taxi services are also limited, but some online taxi services are running. Shops are open at major shopping centres like Broadway, MG Road, Convent Junction and Mattancherry. Though attendance in government offices was low, IT offices saw at least 70 per cent staff.
Shops at many places in the state capital were open and the popular Mittayi Theruvu (sweet street) in Kozhikode was buzzing.
The union leaders had assured businesses they would not force closure of shops and target traders. The Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi has said it would open its commercial establishments.
