Date:22/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/22/stories/2008082253490400.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Gandhian calls for peaceful hartals

Thiruvananthapuram: Freedom fighter K.E. Mammen has suggested a Gandhian hartal in place of the hartal in its present form for political parties to register their protest. In a statement here on Thursday, he said that the Gandhian hartal could be of four hours duration and should be observed without any violence.

It should not be imposed but organised with people’s support. He wanted those who blocked vehicular traffic to be brought to book and a hefty fine imposed on them. The money thus collected should be used for buying medicines for patients in hospitals. He ended his statement with the remark “Hartal Keralam, madya Keralam. Let us weep.” — Special Correspondent