The deserted Arayidathupalam Junction following the hartal in protest against hike in fuel prices. | Photo Credit: S_RAMESHKURUP more-in The hartal called on Monday by the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF), protesting against the steep hike in fuel prices, drew the support of people from all walks of life. Both UDF and LDF leaders said the hartal was peaceful in the district, and that there were no major incidents of violence, as people were supportive of the cause. LDF convener Mukkom Mohammed said the usual aversion of people towards hartal was missing in the public sphere this time, as the rising fuel prices had hit their lives in many ways. “Across the State, we could feel a kind of voluntary cooperation with the hartal call,” he claimed. UDF leaders also said the hartal call evoked warm response from the public, as it was for a common cause and meant to mobilise public protest against the unjust fuel price revisions. The turnout was minimal even in government offices, they claimed. The police said no major incidents of violence or attack against vehicles were reported in the district till late in the evening. Though the attempt by a group of UDF workers to block vehicles and close down some shops at Mukkom led to an open scuffle with the police, it was peacefully settled with the intervention of local leaders, they added. Though private buses kept off the road, the KSRTC operated a few inter-district and special services to selected spots with police escort. Private vehicles carrying flood relief materials were not blocked in any location. Also, vehicles to airport, hospitals, and wedding venues were allowed. As a precautionary measure, the police had ensured security cover for all major petrol bunks in the district. At least two policemen were posted in front of all major pumps within the city limits. Protest marches taken out by hartal supporters to various locations were also peaceful.

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