The hartal called by the CPM at Balaramapuram on Monday in the wake of clashes between CPM and Congress workers on Sunday, was by and large peaceful.
Barring a stray incident in the morning, when CPM workers tried to forcefully close down some of the shops which were open in the town, the rest of the day passed off without any major untoward incident. In view of Sunday’s altercation, police had on Monday beefed up security and a large number of police personnel were deployed in the town and other sensitive areas. The trouble erupted in the area on Sunday evening when CPM workers tried to attack the shop of a Youth Congress leader Lalu at Thembamuttom.
The first wife of Lalu had staged a sit-in in front of Lalu’s shop in protest against his re-marriage. CPM leader and panchayat member Rejith got involved in the issue and soon it snowballed and developed political overtones. Police who rushed to the spot took a Youth Congress worker into custody.
Later, leaders of both parties reached Balaramapuram police station with their supporters. Clashes erupted between workers of both parties resulting in injuries to several persons.
Normalcy was restored by late night after police officials held discussions with the leaders of both parties.
Four cases have been registered against workers of both parties in connection with Sunday’s violence.