Tuesday, June 13 2006 12:04 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Thiruvananthapuram: The dawn-to-dusk general strike called by pro-Left trade unions against the hike in theprice of petrol and diesel paralysed normal life in Kerala today(June 13, 2006).



The strike is being held as part of the Left trade unions' nationwide agitation against the hike.

The general strike had the semblance of a 'bandh' with shops and business establishments remaining closed in all parts of the state and vehicles keeping off the roads. The Private Bus Operators' Federation and transport unions joined the strike.

Attendance in government offices was thin, while most educational institutions remained closed. Universities had postponed the examinations scheduled for the day.

The state is witnessing the second stir against the diesel price hike in the space of a week as the BJP's hartal on June nine had also hit normal life.

No untoward incident was reported since the strike began at 6 AM, police said.

The ruling LDF has openly supported the agitation demanding total withdrawal of the price hike. The government has also ruled out waiving of sales tax on the increased price, holding that it was only a ploy to avoid a rollback.