KOTTAYAM: The dawn-to-dusk hartal called by the NDA in Idukki district on Monday in protest against the derogatory remarks reportedly made by Electricity Minister M M Mani against Pembilai Orumai activists was near total and peaceful.
Though NDA leaders had exempted students attending the entrance examination from the hartal, there was a 25-per cent dip in the students who turned up at the two examination centres in the district, in Kattappana and Thodupuzha. The exams were conducted under heavy police protection. While the hartal was partial in Thodupuzha, it was total in all other centres.
All educational institutions, shops and business establishments remained closed. The public transport system came to a standstill. Hartal supporters blocked vehicles at various centres, including Kattappana, K Chappath, Peermade and other areas, which led to heated arguments between passengers and the hartal supporters.
In some areas, including Thodupuzha, KSRTC operated services. NDA activists stuck posters ridiculing Mani on buses which took to the road. "This service is to Oolampara: M M Mani,’’ read the posters.
Bus stands in major towns in the district wore a deserted look as private buses and cars remained off the road and shops and commercial centres were closed. Two-wheelers could be seen in large numbers. Schools and colleges remained closed. While commercial institutions remained shut, government offices and banks operated with skeletal staff.Hartal supporters took out protest marches in various centres, including Kattappana, Munnar and Thodupuzha.
Black Day by UDF
The Idukki district unit of the UDF observed a black day in the district on Monday in protest against Mani’s remarks. Meanwhile, Pembilai Orumai leaders are continuing their protests in Munnar. Mani should either resign or come to Munnar and tender an apology before them, they say.