Bhatkal: The general strike call given by various trade unions under the banner of Joint Committee of Trade Unions received a mixed response in Uttara Kannada on Friday.

The public transport buses were on road as usual in the district. However, the inter-district buses were seen asking the passengers to alight on the outskirts of the towns itself.

The bus service was withdrawn from 11 am to 2 pm in the urban areas. Kadamba transport corporation buses of Goa also entered Karwar bus stand as usual. Most of the business establishments and shops were remained open throughout the day in Bhatkal and other parts of district.

Only a few shops had downed the shutters. Government offices, schools and colleges also functioned normally. However, the turnout in the schools and colleges was less. Auto rickshaws and taxies were supported the bundh in Bhatkal and they were off the roads, while in Karwar and taxis were plying like any other day.

Hundreds of workers attached to various fields took out a protest rally under the banner of Joint Committee of Trade Unions from Kodibagh to Subhash Circle in Karwar. Rally was took at Bhatkal and submitted a memorandum to Bhatkal Assistant Commissioner.

BSNL Employees union, Bank Employees Union and KSRTC Staff and workers union members joined the protest rally.

In Karwar the protestors also formed a human chain at Subhash Circle daring the showers. When the police asked them not to obstruct the vehicular movement at Subhash Circle, they moved to London Bridge on the national highway and blocked the road for more than half an hour. They shouted slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union government condemning the anti-labor policies.