KANNUR
The nationwide strike called by the joint forum of the central trade unions was total in Kannur and Kasaragod districts on Monday. Shops and establishments remained closed across the districts. Public transport vehicles, including autorickshaws, private and government buses, remained off road. This created huge problems for the people, who arrived at the railway station. K. Sajan, an IT professional, who arrived at the Kannur railway station with his family from Chennai, said that the strike was necessary considering the situation in the country. Mr. Sajan said that his friend working in the police had agreed to help with their transport to their hometown of Mattannur. The closing of eateries and hotels created a problem for the people, especially migrant workers. However, volunteers of various non-governmental organisations were seen providing food to them in Kannur.
Meanwhile, in government offices, nearly 80% of the employees did not turn up for duty.
While the situation remained peaceful in Kannur, the police were pressed into service in Kasaragod when the trade union workers tried to stop motorists. The general law and order situation, however, remained normal across both the districts.
