Petrol price hike sparks violence in Kerala capital

Sep 17, 2011 |

Thiruvananthapuram

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Demonstrations held by DYFI and SFI on Friday against petrol price hike turned violent in many parts of Kerala, even as LDF called for a dawn-to-dusk hartal in the capital on Saturday to protest alleged police atrocities on its members.

Thiruvananthapuram witnessed tension for a few hours as DYFI and SFI members fought pitched battles with police outside the Secretariat and University College. Several police personnel, including a circle inspector, and protesters were injured.

DYFI members barged into the general post office and broke windowpanes and flower pots, while SFI members pelted stones at police from University College campus. Police responded by lobbying tear gas shells and firing water cannons. They entered the campus and cane-charged students.

DYFI and AIYF blocked trains at Kannur and Thalassery railway stations. Around 120 protesters blocked the Mangalore-Coimbatore fast passenger for over an hour at Kannur Railway Station.

A passenger who questioned delay in police action was manhandled by DYFI members.

The Mangalore-Kozhikode passenger was stranded for over an hour at Thalassery Railway Station. Railway Protection Force registered cases against 25 DYFI members. SFI also held a protest march in Kannur.

In Kozhikode, a march by AIYF turned violent. AIYF members entered an Indian Oil Corporation office and caused extensive damage to property before they were chased away by police.

DYFI also blocked traffic at Kanhangad in Kasargod district.

Motor strike on Monday

The joint action committee of motor vehicle union workers has called for a statewide transport bandh on Monday to protest petrol price hike. The 6 am-to-6 pm hartal is likely to cripple life in the State.

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