Kannur, Oct 31: Normal life was hit in the district today as the dawn-to-dusk hartal called by the Hindu Aikya Vedi to protest the alleged destruction "and desecretion of properties" at the Akkare Kottiyoor Temple evoked near total response. Police said that all business establishments downed their shutters while attendance in government offices were very thin and schools remained closed. The public transport system also came to a standstill in the district.

No untoward incidents were reported from any parts of the district so far, police said.
Fresh incidents of fire in the thatched make-shift shed at the closed temple, which is thronged by lakhs of people during the annual Vaishak festival in May-June, came to light yesterday.

In another incident yesterday, the Sree Narayana Mandir at Mananderi near here was burgled by unidentified youth.

Bureau Report