[gjkood]

I don't live there but I do have family there and try to visit whenever I can.

Hartals, an effective non-violent form of protest against British occupation, is a double edged sword. Now its mainly used to bring the country or state to its knees. If there is any violence it is usually politically motivated or by militant student movements. It is a weapon used by both the left and right sides of the political spectrum. But generally non-violent.

Bad driving unfortunately is universal. I wouldn't risk driving there myself.

[kolencherry]

What's interesting is that Kerala was the first state to ban Bandhs (a decision upheld by the Supreme Court). A similar measure to enact a total ban on Hartals failed.