In Kerala, a dawn-to-dusk hartal is being observed in Wayanad today, in protest against the state government’s failure to address the rising incidents of human-animal conflict in the region.
The hartal, called by the Congress-led UDF, is in the backdrop of a couple of recent incidents in which two persons had lost their lives in a wild elephant attack.
Supporters of the hartal tried to prevent vehicles from plying at Lakkidi and Kalpetta and held protest marches at some places urging the government to urgently address the issue.
UDF workers blocked vehicles at the Lakkidi side entry, a crucial access point into the district. The blockade sparked a minor scuffle between police and protesters. Police forces attempted to clear the blockage, arresting and removing the protesters after some time, allowing vehicles to pass freely.
Protesters accused the ruling CPM of using the police to disrupt their demonstration. They expressed outrage over the government’s failure to act in response to the loss of human lives due to wild animal attacks. Shops and business establishments largely remained closed.