Kochi, Apr 29(ANI): Activists of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) demonstrated in Kerala's Kochi district on Friday seeking a countrywide ban on endosulfan pesticide by the Central government.
The shops in the city remained closed and normal activities came to a standstill during a day-long shutdown called by the ruling LDF.
Public modes of transport like buses, taxis and autorickshaws were off the road, crippling the mobility of the people.
"This shutdown was called by LDF, but everybody from the state, including the Congress members, are participating in this protest, because this demand to ban endosulfan is the demand of everybody in Kerala," said Kumaraswamy, an LDF leader.
The protesting members threatened to intensify the stir if their demand was not met by the Central government. They participated in a march with banners and flags to further press their demand, and were joined by numerous locals.
"We called it (shutdown), but everybody participated in it. If the Central government doesn't take a decision against it, then we will intensify our movement," Kumaraswamy added.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had recommended a ban on endosulfan, but the Central government is not willing to impose it, saying that there is no scientific evidence to prove its harmful effect on human body.
Around 81 countries across the globe have already banned the use of endosulfan. (ANI)
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