Hartal brings Wayanad to standstill over landslide crisis 

KALPETTA: Wayanad witnessed a complete shutdown as a hartal, called jointly by the LDF and UDF, protested the central government's failure to declare the Mundakkai and Chooralmala landslides a national disaster. The hartal saw widespread participation, with vehicles blocked in several areas, including Meppadi, where disaster victims led the demonstrations.

Around 30 residents from the affected Mundakkai and Chooralmala regions joined the protests in Meppadi, where vehicles were obstructed in solidarity. Despite the disruption, ambulances and vehicles heading to private medical colleges were allowed to pass.

In most towns across the district, private buses and taxis stayed off the roads and KSRTC services were severely disrupted. Protesters blocked KSRTC buses coming from other districts, forcing many to return from Kalpetta.

Government offices saw low attendance, with less than 30% of employees reporting to the collectorate. In Kalpetta, a bank that attempted to operate was forced to shut down by protesters. Pet shops and other small businesses also remained closed.

Major junctions, such as Chungam in Kalpetta, saw long vehicle queues after goods vehicles were blocked. A vehicle from Kozhikode linked to a passport camp was stopped twice—first at Chungam Junction and later near the post office—before being released in the afternoon. Tourist vehicles were similarly halted, adding to the disruption.

Verbal altercations between hartal supporters and passengers were reported in multiple locations, reflecting the intensity of public discontent. LDF and UDF activists staged demonstrations across the district, intensifying the blockade.