Bharat Bandh: Banking, Postal Services Hit

Banking services, postal services and other sectors were affected in Andhra Pradesh, on the first day of the two-day general Strike called by 11 trade union bodies across the country.

There was mild tension at the Secretariat, when AITUC workers took out a procession marching towards the Secretariat and the police stopped them. There was a scuffle between the police and the agitators.

In some areas, shops, business establishments and educational institutions were closed. Transport was affected, with the RTC fleet in districts being stopped, and auto unions also joining the strike, pressing for their own charter of demands.

Singareni Collieries employees participated in the strike, too, with over 20,000 workers boycotting work. Coal production was stalled in 20 mines. Workers took to the streets in Mandamarri, Srirampur, Bellampalli in Adilabad, Kothagudem, Maniguru, Illenu in Khamman and Bhupalpalli of Karimnagar district. (INN)