CPI(M) hartal disrupts normal life in Idukki

Normal life across Idukki district was disrupted on Friday following a districtwide hartal called by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] district committee. The hartal was called over several land-related issues, including the Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA) demarcation, the government’s move to reclassify Cardamom Hill Reserve (CHR) lands as forest areas, and proposed wild elephant corridors in the district.

Hartal supporters blocked vehicles in various parts of the district, leading to heated arguments with people. In Kumily, tension escalated when a driver attempted to move past a blockade, accidentally hitting the foot of a protester. Agitated hartal supporters vandalised the vehicle’s windows. When police arrived at the scene, clashes broke out between the police officers and protesters, triggering a law-and-order situation.

Hartal supporters blocked traffic in key centres including Kattappana, Thodupuzha, Munnar, Marayur, Kumily, Elappara, Adimaly, Cheruthoni, and Vandiperiyar. Migrant labourers and interstate travellers were left stranded at border bus stations. Plantation workers from neighbouring Tamil Nadu could not report to work, while private buses and taxis stayed off the roads. Protesters, however, exempted tourists and allowed their vehicles to pass.

Across the district, commercial activity remained paralysed, with only a few isolated shops open.