Stir hits public transport services in Kerala

Public transport services in Kerala were affected today following a 24-hour motor vehicle strike called by various unions protesting the hike in third party insurance premium among others.
Private buses, autorickshaws, taxis and trucks were off the roads across the state since the strike began at midnight yesterday.
However, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation services were operated as usual.
A minor scuffle broke out when some strike supporters allegedly tried to block a private car and a few autorickshaws carrying passengers in front of the railway station here. The strike was called by the United Trade Unions protesting hike in the insurance premium, frequent increases in petrol price and vehicle registration fees among others.

Malappuram District has been exempted from the strike in view of the ongoing campaigning there for April 12 byelection in Malappuram Lok Sabha constituency.