Medicine godown forcefully closed down, CITU leader threatens to pour kerosene on fish if vendors refuse to shut down shops; violence and threats mar strike

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The general strike, which has effectively turned into a hartal in Kerala, witnessed widespread incidents of violence, intimidation, and disruption of essential services on Tuesday.

In Pathanapuram, protesters forcefully closed down the Oushadhi sub-centre, a key facility responsible for distributing medicines to hospitals. Despite staff clarifying that the centre was part of essential services and should remain operational, they were reportedly evicted by force. Visuals of the incident have since surfaced online.

Similar intimidation was reported from Kozhikode's Mukkam, where strike supporters allegedly threatened to pour kerosene on fish if vendors refused to shut down their shops. The threat was issued openly by a senior CITU leader, while police reportedly stood by without intervening.

In Kannur’s Sreekandapuram, protestors deflated the tyres of vehicles belonging to teachers who had reported for duty at the Nedungome Government Higher Secondary School. Around 15 teachers affiliated with the KPTA and HSTA unions were present at the time.

In Kasaragod’s Vellarikkundu, at the Parappa Government Higher Secondary School, a female teacher named Siji was reportedly locked inside the office by strike supporters. A heated exchange also occurred between the protestors and acting headmistress Prabhavati. Police later intervened and opened the office door.

Attacks on KSRTC personnel were reported from various locations. In Thiruvananthapuram’s Kattakada, a conductor from the Neyyattinkara depot, Shibu, was assaulted. In Kollam, a conductor was verbally abused and physically assaulted inside a bus by strike supporters.

Meanwhile, in Malappuram’s Manjeri, a brief confrontation broke out between the police and protestors after a private vehicle was blocked, prompting police action.

Though the strike was called to press for various demands, the use of force and disruption of critical services have raised public concern across the state.