THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: DGP Loknath Behra said that special teams will be formed in all districts to tackle the attacks against journalists. District police chiefs are directed to do so. “The attacks will be taken into account seriously. If there is conspiracy behind the attack, it will also be investigated. Intelligence department is directed to collect all information about attacks across the state. Strict action will be taken against the attackers”, said Behra.

The 12-hour hartal, which began at 6 am, has been called by Sabarimala Karma Samithi, an umbrella organisation of various pro-Hindutva groups, spearheading protests against the Supreme Court's September 28 verdict, and Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad (AHP).

The BJP is supporting the shutdown while the Congress-led UDF is observing a "black day" on Thursday.