Trade union workers take out a protest march in Kozhikode city expressing solidarity with the general strike against the alleged anti-labour policies of the Union government on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: K. Ragesh
The nationwide general strike called by various trade unions against the Union government’s “anti-labour policies” brought Kozhikode district to a grinding halt on Thursday. All business establishments, including hotels, wayside eateries, and street vending units, remained closed in Kozhikode city and rural areas.
Trade union leaders took out a march to Mananchira expressing solidarity with the general strike.
Private buses stayed off the roads. Police contingents were deployed at major junctions to ensure public safety. No untoward incidents were reported in the district till late in the evening.
Police sources said a minor quarrel broke out at a government school at Puthiyappa as teachers tried to conduct special classes. The strike supporters rushed to the spot and dispersed the students. Around 15 teachers were also forced to leave the spot.
A team of volunteers on scooters and a few autorickshaw drivers offered free rides to stranded passengers at the Kozhikode railway station and other places. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation operated a few inter-district trips.
“As most wayside eateries remained closed, homeless people had a tough time,” said T.K. Babu, a headload worker.
Though almost all fuel stations remained closed, a petrol pump operated by the Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation in the heart of the city offered relief to many inter-district passengers.
Published – February 12, 2026 07:52 pm IST
