Normal life was disrupted in Andhra and Rayalaseema regions, combinedly called as Seemandhra, on Friday as a bandh was observed in protest against the Union Cabinet’s approval of the draft State Reorganisation Bill that accords separate statehood to Telangana.
Educational institutions, shops and other commercial establishments remained closed, while bus services of state-run Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) were suspended at many places.
The bandh call was given by YSR Congress party and Telugu Desam Party leaders belonging to Seemandhra. The students joint action committee of Seemandhra also observed a shut down. The employees of the state Secretariat belonging to Seemandhra took out a rally.
As a precautionary measure, additional police forces were deployed in sensitive areas across the region. Security has been beefed up at the houses of ministers and other important leaders. Except for minor incidents of stone pelting, the bandh was peaceful.
In Visakhapatnam, police arrested more than 20 YSR Congress party activists when they staged dharnas and took out rallies in different parts of the city. Andhra University premises remained tense with students staging demonstrations and taking out processions.
However, port and industrial activity, including banking operations remained unaffected. The APSRTC suspended operation of long distance services but continued operation of buses within the city.
According to the current indications, protests against the Centre’s decision to accord separate statehood for the Telangana region are likely to continue in the coming days. The AP Non Gazetted Officers Association has decided to re-launch its agitation against bifurcation of the state from December 9. The students JAC has also reportedly decided to continue its stir.
Meanwhile, the state government is convening the Legislative Assembly session from December 12. The House has to discuss the Telangana draft Bill when the President sends it for the state’s opinion.