The United Democratic Front (UDF) observed a dawn-to-dusk hartal in Wayanad on Thursday, protesting against the state government’s alleged failure to address the growing threat of wild elephant attacks in the district. The protest follows the tragic deaths of two individuals in elephant attacks within 48 hours.
The hartal led to widespread disruptions, with protesters blocking roads and staging demonstrations at key locations, including district borders. In Lakkidi, tensions escalated when UDF activists clashed with police, leading to a violent confrontation. In an attempt to restore order, law enforcement detained several protesters involved in the altercation.
UDF District Chairman KK Ahmed Haji and Convener PT Gopala Kurup issued a statement criticizing the government for its lack of preventive measures despite frequent incidents of human casualties due to wild animals. The leaders emphasized that the hartal was necessary to draw attention to the government’s inaction and to demand immediate intervention.
While essential services such as medical emergencies, travel for examinations, weddings, and religious gatherings like the Pallikkunnu Church festival were exempted from the strike, regular life was disrupted as private buses remained off the roads in solidarity with the protest.
However, the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi, a prominent trade association, refused to support the hartal. The group submitted a memorandum to the district police chief, urging authorities to ensure security for businesses that chose to remain open.
With tensions still high, authorities remain on alert to prevent further violence and disruptions in the region.
