JOIN USThe two day nationwide strike called by Joint Committee of Trade Unions (JCTU) evoked mixed response in the district and was almost successful without recording any untoward incidents.
Huge processions and protests were held by the members of the trade unions with slogans shouting against the government and price rise. A large number of agitators turned out into the streets to protest. Members from LIC and bank employees union, CITU, BMS, INTUC, HMS, and AITUC took part in the protest that was held from Ajjarkadu to Corporation Bank in Udupi and in the entire town limits in Kundapur. A huge rally was organised in Shastri circle on the occasion.
The normal life was paralysed and the bundh almost affected the routine life. The essential commodities were not available except for the services like hospitals and medical shops were kept open.
However, the buses including government, private and also city buses remained off the roads and the bus stops wore a deserted look. The taxis and auto-rickshaws were evenly seen especially in the interior areas. Trucks did not ply and transportation was massively affected.
The passengers in the railway station were at inconvenience when they had no transportation facilities to reach the city.
Majority schools and colleges remained closed. Petrol bunks were open besides a few restaurants were open. Retail outlets were forcibly shut down by the agitators in some areas. However, most of the shops and retail outlets voluntarily shut down.
The most affected were the people who had organised marriages and other religious functions. They had to manage with alternative arrangements following the unavailability of transport facilities. There were many number of ceremonies organised on the day in the district. Speaking to Deccan Herald, SP Dr Boralingaiah said that no untoward incidents have been reported in the district. It was peaceful, he added.