Elaborate measures are in place to check violence and destruction of property during the dawn-to-dusk hartal called by the United Democratic Front (UDF) on Monday, State Police Chief Loknath Behera has said.
A press note issued here said district police chiefs had been asked to take stringent action against those attempting to instigate violence and destroy public property. Action would be taken against those who obstruct traffic, forcibly shut shops and prevent people from going to work.
Buses of the KSRTC and private vehicles would be given adequate protection. Police protection would also be given to public offices and courts. District police chiefs have been asked to put in place patrolling and, if need be, pickets to prevent untoward incidents. The use of loudspeakers has also been banned. Steps would be taken to file civil suits against those who instigate violence and destroy property. All sections of the police force, including the intelligence wing, should be out in force during the hartal, Mr. Behera said.
In a Facebook post on Sunday Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the government had directed theSPC to provide adequate protection to the people.
UDF version
Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala said the hartal was being called at a time when the Union and State governments were robbing the public in the name of petrol and diesel prices.