GG News Bureau
Wayanad, 19th Nov. A dawn-to-dusk hartal called by the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) paralyzed Wayanad district on Tuesday. Shops remained closed, and vehicular movement was disrupted in multiple areas as protesters blocked roads demanding Central assistance for landslide victims.
Both the CPI(M)-led LDF and the Congress-headed UDF organized separate protests, urging the BJP-led central government to declare the landslide calamity as a national disaster and provide immediate relief and rehabilitation support.
While the LDF accused the Union government of withholding assistance due to political bias against Kerala, the UDF criticized the state government for failing to alleviate the plight of survivors months after the disaster.
State-run KSRTC buses operated with police escorts, while private vehicles plied in reduced numbers. Minor clashes were reported, including an argument between UDF workers and police in Lakdi over roadblocks.
The July 30 landslide devastated Punchirimattam, Chooralmala, Mundakkai, and parts of Attamala, claiming 231 lives, with 47 people still missing. The Centre recently denied declaring the disaster a “national calamity,” citing existing guidelines of the State and National Disaster Response Funds.
Both fronts plan protest marches in major district centers later today.
The post Wayanad Hartal: LDF and UDF Protest Over Lack of Central Assistance for Landslide Victims appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates.
