General strike paralyses life in Kollam

Daily life in Kollam ground to a virtual halt on Thursday as the 24-hour nationwide general strike called by a joint front of trade unions saw a near-total response across the district.

The strike, organised in protest against the Union government’s labour policies and privatisation initiatives, effectively silenced the district’s pulse from the early morning hours. The impact was most visible on the street, where private vehicles were rarely seen and public transport remained largely off the road. Major commercial hubs, including the usually bustling Chinnakada, were left deserted as shops, markets, and business establishments downed their shutters in solidarity with the protesters.

Despite the widespread shutdown, the organisers provided essential breathing room for personal and spiritual events as vehicles used for religious ceremonies, festivals, and weddings were strictly exempted from the strike. Medical services, including hospitals, ambulances, and pharmacies, also continued to function without interruption to ensure that emergency needs were met.

The day was marked by multiple protest marches and public meetings held in various parts of the district. Union leaders addressed large gatherings, reiterating their core demands for the repeal of what they termed anti-workerLabour Codes and calling for more robust social security measures for all sectors. However, a slight shift in the situation was observed by 5 p.m. when several shops and small businesses began to reopen their doors, signaling a gradual return to normalcy.