Thrissur: A dawn-to-dusk public hartal unfolded on Wednesday in response to the tragic deaths of two tribal individuals, including a woman, in an elephant attack in the Athirappilly forests. Locals organised the protest to express their frustration over alleged government inaction.
The hartal has the backing of all the political parties and it was being carried out peacefully, an officer of Athirappilly police station said.
Protestors blocked roads and turned away tourist vehicles while permitting the movement of office goers, emergency services, and essential goods. Although the protest aimed to be peaceful, the disruption of tourist activity in the area raised concerns about its impact.
Organisers assured that the agitation would be called off within a few hours, rather than continuing until evening. TV visuals depicted protestors standing on roads, redirecting private vehicles, with police stationed nearby to ensure calm and prevent any incidents.
(inputs from PTI)