Kerala: Trade unions strike enters second day

Normal life continues to be crippled across Kerala, as the two-day nationwide strike called by trade unions in support of their various demands entered the second day today.

Although the Kerala government declared dies non on its striking staff last evening following a direction from the Kerala High Court, attendance in government offices remained thin.

Attempts by traders to open shops at some places were met with stiff resistance from the strike supporters. Minor skirmishes were also reported at some places between trade union activists and local traders.

Many workers were turned away from attending work by supporters of the strike.