THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The national strike to be staged on January 8 and 9 by the trade unions against the Modi government’s anti-worker policy should not turn into a hartal. If tried to turn the strike into a hartal, strict action will be taken, said state police chief Lokanath Behera. Enough security should be given to schools and business establishments. If any kind of violence breaks out, it should be oppressed strongly, the DGP directed in the circular released to district police chiefs. The police issued the circular in the wake of the high court taking strict action against the hartals.

The 48-hour strike staged by various trade union against the centre will begin from midnight today. Even when leaders say that vehicles will not be blocked and shops will not be closed, there is a possibility of the strike turning into a hartal. Train services will also be hit. Torch light marches would be held. Trains would be blocked in places like Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram. The official inauguration would be held at 10 am. Nearly 2000 workers will stage a dharna for 48 hours at the main venue of the secretariat.

Meantime, shops will be opened on two days, informed Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi. No violence will be unleashed and shops would not be closed forcefully.