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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA, INDIA, November 15, 2004: Life was paralyzed across Kerala on Monday following a state-wide dawn-to-dusk hartal (general strike) called by the Hindu Aikya Vedi (HAV) to protest against the arrest of Kanchi Kamakoti Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati. No major untoward incidents were reported during the hartal, which was supported by the local unit of the BJP. The HAV is the umbrella organization of the Hindu organizations in Kerala. According to reports received, sword-wielding activists of the National Democratic Front, (NDF), a Muslim organization, chased away members of the HAV forcing closure of shops at Chavakkad in Thrissur district. A police party, which reached the spot, was also attacked by the NDF supporters. Deputy Superintendent Unniraja and police constable P. C. Verghese were injured in the fracas. Six people were arrested in connection with the incident. Normal life all over the state was hit as business establishments were closed and public transport remained off the roads. The number of private vehicles on the roads was also markedly less. While some essential supplies, including hospitals, medical stores, newspaper and milk supplies and movement of Sabarimala pilgrims, were exempted from the hartal call, all other business establishments and shops were closed in Thiruvananthapuram and other major cities. Reports received here said the hartal was total in Kozhikode, Kannur, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kollam, Kottayam and other districts also.

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