National strike near-total in Thrissur

Thrissur came to a near-complete halt on Thursday as the 24-hour nationwide strike called by trade unions against the Union government’s alleged anti-labour policies received an overwhelming response across the district. Educational institutions, business establishments, and offices remained closed, while public transport services — including autorickshaws and taxis — stayed off the road. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses largely did not operate.

Although the strike was largely peaceful, minor tensions were reported in a few areas where strike supporters allegedly compelled establishments to shut down. In Kodungalloor, pro-strike activists forced a petrol pump that had opened in the morning to cease operations. Along the coastal belt of Thrissur, the shutdown was total, with commercial activity coming to a complete standstill.

The impact was particularly pronounced in Guruvayur, where devotees arriving at the Sreekrishna temple were left stranded due to the absence of bus services. With shops and restaurants closed, many struggled to access food and water. The temple’s ‘Prasada Oottu’ provided much-needed relief to several devotees.

Throughout the day, trade unions organised protest marches and public meetings across the district, reiterating their opposition to the Centre’s labour policies and calling for broader solidarity.