The ruling LDF-sponsored dawn-to-dusk strike in Kerala to protest hike in prices of petroleum products crippled normal life today but passed off without any major untoward incident.
Shops, business establishments and schools were closed and vehicles went off the roads. Only a few private vehicles and two-wheelers plied.
Candidates, who were to appear for UPSC examinations, had a tough time reaching the centres. Examinations of Kerala Public Service Commission and Kerala University scheduled for the day have been postponed to another date.
Long distance travellers who reached by train from different places were put to hardship. Many had to spend the day at railway stations.
State government offices and banks functioned with very thin attendance.
Police said protest marches were held in different parts of the state demanding immediate rollback of the prices. In Kannur, protesters burnt Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's effigy.
Stray stone-throwing incidents and road blocks were reported, mainly in Kozhikode and Kannur districts.
Police said no major incident was reported. In Kozhikode, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation operated services to Wayanad and Palakkad with police escort.