Telangana Bandh In 2 Phases

In a move that will cause great relief to a city vexed with frequent bandhs and agitations for the cause of separate Telangana statehood, Telangana Political Joint Action committee president M Kodandaram on Thursday announced some "changes" in the general strike called by employees from 17 August 17.

The changes were apparently made taking into consideration the festive season, with Ramzan and Vinayaka Chaturthi being celebrated in August and September this year.

Talking to media persons after emerging out of a TPJAC meeting at MLA quarters at Adarshnagar, Kodandaram said the strike would begin on the earlier announced date of 17 August, but that Telangana employees would not participatein the "first phase". This phase will only see Telangana people, associations and political parties being involved.

Kodandaram further said that the general strike would begin with a 'maha dharna' at Indira Park on 17 August.

In the second phase, employees, labour union leaders and teachers would participate in a strike on September 6.

Prior to this phase, the TPJAC would organize a massive public meeting in Karimnagar on 5 September, Kodandaram said.

In the meeting, the TPJAC would finalise its course of action after discussing with all concerned parties and leaders, the TPJAC chief stated.

He emphasized that employees would participate in the agitation as a last resort and "paralyse the administration". (INN)