Landslide tragedy: Hartal by LDF, UDF begin in Wayanad 

KALPETTA: A hartal has started in Wayanad against the action of not declaring the Mundakkai landslide as national disaster. Various organizations and groups have announced their support for the dawn to dusk hartal announced by the LDF and the UDF. Vehicles of Ayyappa devotees, election vehicles, vehicles of journalists, hospitals, milk, newspapers, etc. have been exempted from the hartal.

Shops and markets will remain closed. KSRTC is operating services. KSRTC had earlier announced that long-distance routes will be operated under police protection. Private buses are not likely to operate. This is the first time in recent times that the LDF and the UDF are holding hartals on the same day with the same demand. While the LDF is protesting against the center, the UDF is protesting against the central and state governments. LDF and UDF leaders have demanded that the Prime Minister should be ready to fulfill the assurances given after visiting the disaster area directly.

As part of the hartal, UDF workers will march to post offices in Kalpetta, Sultan Bathery and Mananthavady. Leaders said disaster victims will also join the strike. LDF will stage dharnas in various places.