The Government of Kerala has declared a public holiday today to mourn the demise of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Puratchi Thalaivi J Jayalalithaa.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took to the Twitter to announce the official mourning and public holiday for all state government offices, public sector organisations, and educational institutions, including professional colleges and Kendriya Vidyalayas.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu had declared official mourning for seven days and a three-day holiday for educational institutions in the state.

Alert at borders

Meanwhile, the Kerala Government has also announced a state of heightened alert along its borders in the wake of developments in the neighbouring state.

Kerala State Road Transport Corporation buses will operate only till the inter-state border till further notice. Special watch is being mounted at pilgrim centres, including Sabarimala, railway and bus stations in the state.

Loknath Behera, Director-General of Police, has instructed police superintendents and commissioners to keep a close tab on evolving situation.

Keralite students in Tamil Nadu have been advised to return home, depending on whether they are able to move out at a short notice.