CPI (M)'s Bharat Bandh protest cripples life in Kerela

Thiruvananthapuram: The strike called by the Communist Party of India Marxist (CPI M) led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala, as a part of nationwide agitation by opposition parties against demonetisation, had begun early morning at 0600 hours crippling the life of common people.

Schools, colleges, shops remained closed throughout the state. Attendances in banks and offices were poor and the traffic system was also affected.

• Only private vehicles were seen plying in some places providing relief to the people.
• Police vehicles were used to transport railway passengers and patients to the Regional Cancer Centre here.
• Passengers were tensed due to non-working of Private buses and (Kerala State Road transport Corporation) KSRTC.

What people said about the protest?

According to Sabarimala pilgrims who arrived at Kottayam by train, "We were unable to leave for the Ayyappa temple as buses were not plying."

A resident of Andhra Pradesh said, "We have been waiting for hours. Though some private taxis were available, we cannot afford them as the fares were exorbitant."

It may be mentioned that according to the data submitted by the tourism department of the state, "At least 1000 tourists would be arriving at the airport today to explore various places of the state." This protest would cause an adverse affect to the programmes of tourists as well as the government revenue from the sector."