KANNUR: A state-wide hartal has been called in Kerala tomorrow, Tuesday, April 28, demanding immediate action and justice regarding the tragic death of Nithin Raj, a BDS student at Anjarakandy Dental College in Kannur.
The strike was announced by the ‘Justice for Nithin Raj’ Action Council, alongside various Dalit and Adivasi organizations, who are pressing for the immediate arrest of those responsible for the student’s death.
Here is everything you need to know about the Kerala hartal tomorrow, including timings, exemptions, and the core demands of the protestors.
Kerala Hartal Timings and Guidelines
The dawn-to-dusk hartal will be observed for 12 hours across the state.
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on April 28.
Unlike traditional strikes, the organizers have stated that this will be a peaceful protest. The Action Council has confirmed that they will not block private or public vehicles, nor will they forcefully shut down shops and commercial establishments. Public transport, including bus services, is expected to operate normally.
What is Exempted from the Hartal?
To ensure the public is not severely inconvenienced, several essential services have been explicitly exempted from the strike. These include:
- Hospitals, clinics, and medical stores
- Milk and newspaper distribution
- Pre-planned weddings and religious ceremonies
- Emergency services and ambulances
Why is the Hartal Being Conducted?
The hartal is a culmination of growing outrage over the death of Nithin Raj. Preliminary reports and allegations suggest that the student faced severe caste-based discrimination from college authorities and teachers, coupled with threats from online loan apps, which tragically led to his death.
Protestors allege that there are deliberate attempts by the police to sabotage the ongoing investigation and protect the accused faculty members.
Key Demands of the Action Council
The ‘Justice for Nithin Raj’ Action Council has put forward four primary demands to the state government:
- Immediate Arrest: File murder charges and immediately arrest the teachers and college authorities allegedly responsible for the harassment.
- Financial Compensation: Provide a compensation of ₹10 Crore to the grieving family of Nithin Raj.
- Rohit Vemula Act: Enact and strictly implement the ‘Rohit Vemula Act’ across educational institutions in Kerala to prevent caste-based discrimination and safeguard marginalized students.
- Judicial Probe: Initiate a comprehensive judicial investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, removing the current police investigative team.
The organizers have urged the general public to cooperate with the strike to stand in solidarity with Nithin Raj’s family and to ensure educational spaces remain free from systemic discrimination.
