LDF hartal in Wayanad today

The LDF has called for a dawn-todusk hartal in Wayanad on Saturday to protest against the Union government’s decision to implement the Kasturirangan Committee report on Western Ghats. Announcing the hartal, LDF district committee convener K V Mohanan said that the implementation of the report would have an adverse impact on Wayanad and it would result in blatant violations of human rights. Essential services such as milk supply, hospital services and vehicles carrying Sabarimala pilgrims will be exempted from hartal. Organisations including Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi, Farmers Relief Forum and Gold Merchants Association have expressed solidarity with the hartal. Violence in Periya Violence erupted during the agitations organised by the Manushyavakasha Samsrakshana Samithi (People’s Rights Protection Committee), in protest against the Kasturirangan panel report, in Periya near here on Friday. According to eye-witnesses, a mob, numbering about 200, went berserk and indulged in large-scale violence, targeting mediapersons. The incident took place around 10.30 am. Arun Vincent, a reporter with a local channel, was injured in violence. LDF Hartal in Kuttampuzha The LDF has called dawn-todusk hartal on Saturday at Kuttampuzha panchayat in Kothamangalam to protest against the implementation of Kasturirangan panel report in the state. Kuttampuzha is the first place in central Kerala to observe hartal over the issue. It is said that the report has included Kuttampuzha panchayat under Idukki district, though it comes under Ernakulam district. LDF leaders said necessary services will be excluded from the hartal.