The police have beefed up the security in the state as the Sabarimala Karma Samithi and Ayyappa Karma Samithi, an umbrella organization of various Hindutva groups, has called for a dawn to dusk hartal in the state on Thursday.
The controversial entry of a Lawyer Bindu Ammini and a government employee Kanakadurga inside the Sabarimala sanctum during the wee hours on Wednesday have been causing a lot of havoc in the state of Kerala.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is supporting the strike while the United Democratic Front (UDF) led by Congress is observing a 'black day' in the state on Thursday.
The state Police Chief & Director General of Police (DGP) Lokanath Behera has directed to arrest the protestors and strict actions will be taken against them if they resort to violence.
Legal actions will be taken against those who will initiate destruction of public properties and the compensation will be recovered directly from them. DGP Behera has instructed the district police officials to ensure that law and order are thoroughly maintained.
Merchant and traders association of Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi (VVES) have said they would not cooperate with the shutdown and will keep shops and business establishments open. The association have also announced that they will observe 2019 as a hartal-opposed year.
The head of Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Tomin J Thachankery said that the buses will continue its service without any cancellation. The police have been instructed to give protection to the KSRTC and other establishments that wish to remain open during the shutdown.
Several media persons were attacked in different parts of the state by various organizations. The state was in a panic situation and in many places, violence had erupted.
