Udupi: A nationwide strike called by ten central trade unions was peaceful without any untoward incidents reported in the district on Wednesday, September 2.
The bandh affected normal life. Banks, shops, business establishments and educational institutions were closed in most parts of the district. KSRTC, city and service buses did not ply in the district, although some autorickshaws and taxis were seen plying in the region.
Speaking to Mangalorean.com, ASP Santhosh Kumar said that everything went on peacefully and no untoward incidents were reported in the district.
Security in the district was beefed up as a precautionary measure. Strict surveillance is being done for the safety of the public. The Service, City and KSRTC bus stands were deserted on Wednesday. Even hospitals and the Adi Udupi weekly market did not have the usual rush of customers.
The City bus stop in Udupi was converted into temporary cricket ground and matches were played from 9 am to 12:30 in the afternoon. Medical shops and milk parlours were kept open. Government offices were open, but witnessed very low attendance.
The members of Joint Committee of Trade Union took out a procession from their Ajjarkadu office, passing across the city and demanding the union government to fulfill their 12 point demands, which include a control on price rise, minimum wage of Rs 15,000 per month, no violation of labour laws, no contract labour and outsourcing and pension for all.
CITU leader Balakrishna Shetty, AITUC leader K Vasudeva Bhat, LIC Workers Union’s U Gurudath, District Bank Association’s Herald D’Souza, Bank Employees Federation of India’s Ravindra A, BSNL Workers Association’s U Shashidhar Golla and others were present.
