CPI(M) hartal disrupts normal life in Idukki

Hartal supporters at Kumily in Idukki on Friday. | Photo credit: Sandeep Vellaram

Normal life was disrupted in Idukki district on Friday following a district-wide hartal called by the district committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)). The hartal was called over several land-related issues, including the delineation of Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs), the government’s move to reclassify Cardamom Hill Reserve (CHR) lands as forest areas and proposed wild elephant corridors in the district.

Hartal supporters blocked vehicles in various parts of the district, leading to heated arguments with people. In Kumily, tensions escalated when a driver tried to drive around the blockade and accidentally hit a protester’s leg. Agitated Hartal supporters vandalized the windows of the vehicle. When the police arrived at the scene, there were clashes between the police and the protesters, causing a disturbance of order.

Hartal supporters blocked traffic in key centres, including Kattappana, Thodupuzha, Munnar, Marayur, Kumily, Elappara, Adimaly, Cheruthoni and Vandiperiyar. Migrant workers and interstate travelers remained stranded at border bus stations. Plantation workers from neighboring Tamil Nadu could not report to work, while private buses and taxis remained off the roads. However, the protesters freed the tourists and let their vehicles pass.

Commercial activity remained paralyzed in the entire district, only a few isolated shops were open.

Published – 16 Oct 2026 20:40 IST