Wayanad hartal: UDF workers accuse police of highhandedness, target ruling CPM

The hartal organised by the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Wayanad district commenced on Thursday, protesting the government’s failure to tackle rising number of wild animal attacks on human lives in the region. The strike began at 6 AM and is set to continue until 6 PM....... UDF workers blocked vehicles at the Lakkidi side entry, a crucial access point into the district. The blockade sparked a minor scuffle between police and protesters. Police forces attempted to clear the blockage, arresting and removing the protesters after some time, allowing vehicles to pass freely... Protesters accused the ruling CPM of using the police to disrupt their demonstration. They expressed outrage over the government's failure to act in failure to act in response to the loss of human lives due to wild animal attacks.