THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala joined the countrywide general strike called by pro-Left trade unions at midnight on Wednesday amidst tight security arrangements. The trade unions have called the 24-hour strike to press for the reversal of the `anti-people' economic policies of the UPA Government and enactment of legislations to protect the interests of the working class and the poor.

The strike would continue for the whole of Thursday and end at midnight of Thursday. The Trade Union Sponsoring Committee, which is spearheading the agitation in Kerala, has exempted milk, newspaper and water supply, hospitals, Sabarimala pilgrims and the 11th International Film Festival of Kerala, now on here, from the strike.

Trade Union Sponsoring Committee convener Kanam Rajendran told

The Hindu here on Wednesday that there would be no forcible prevention of vehicles, but appealed to the people to cooperate with the strike by not taking out private vehicles on Thursday.

The police has made elaborate security arrangements and strong police patrolling began on the highways and arterial roads in the districts from

8 p. m. on Wednesday. A pressnote issued by the Director General of Police said instructions had been issued to the police officials to extend all protection to those reporting for work at Central and State Government offices and private and public sector institutions.

Instructions have also been issued to the police personnel to deal sternly with those who indulge in destruction of public property, the release said.

The DGP said that City Police Commissioners and Superintendents of Police would make necessary arrangements to assist those who get stranded at airports and railway stations.

Anybody needing medical care may contact the nearest police control room, police stations or helpline for assistance.

Fireforce and ambulance services would be on high alert and private individuals who wish to take out their vehicles would be offered all protection.

Anyone needing police assistance may contact 0471-3243000, 0471-3244000, 0471-3245000, 0471-3243148 or 98461 00100, the DGP's release said.

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