Widespread violence during Popular Front hartal; more than 220 people arrested in the state

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala witnessed widespread violence during the hartal called by the Popular Front. Police have arrested more than 220 protesters in connection with the hartal. More arrests were made in Kottayam and Malappuram.

Kannur district witnessed widespread violence during the hartal. A Milma tea stall was attacked and destroyed by the protesters in Kannur. The incident occurred at 4 pm. The attackers came on bikes and one person alighted near the tea stall and smashed the glass cupboard with an iron rod. A migrant worker, working there got injured after being hit by glass pieces. Though the owner of the tea stall ran behind the attacker, he quickly fled the scene on the bike waiting for him. Attacks were also reported from Matannur where protesters threw a petrol bomb on a lorry that was coming to Thalassery from Iritty. Fortunately, the driver escaped unhurt.