Police personnel patrol a deserted street in Thrissur district during a 24-hour national strike called by trade unions on Thursday. | Photo credit: KK Najeeb
Thrissur came to an almost complete standstill on Thursday as the 24-hour statewide strike called by unions against the alleged anti-labour policies of the Union government had an overwhelming response across the district. Educational institutions, commercial establishments and offices remained closed, while public transport services – including autorickshaws and taxis – remained off the roads. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses mostly did not run.
Although the strike was largely peaceful, minor tensions were reported in several areas where strike supporters reportedly forced businesses to close. In Kodungalloor, pro-strike activists forced the operation of a petrol pump that opened in the morning to stop. Along the coastal belt of Thrissur, the shutdown was total and commercial activities came to a complete standstill.
The impact was particularly pronounced in Guruvayur, where devotees arriving at the Sreekrishna temple were stranded due to the absence of bus service. With shops and restaurants closed, many had difficulty accessing food and water. The temple’s ‘Prasada Ootu’ provided much needed relief to several devotees.
Throughout the day, unions organized protest marches and public meetings across the district, reiterating their opposition to the centre’s labor policies and calling for wider solidarity.
Published – 12 Feb 2026 20:24 IST