Normal life in all of the 13 districts of coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions came to a standstill on Wednesday, following a
bandh call given by the YSR Congress Party in protest against the
passing of the Telangana bill in the Lok Sabha.
All shops, establishments and educational institutions remained closed in the entire Seemandhra region. While some areas wore a deserted look, a few streets resembled war-zones with the protestors erecting road blocks, and burning tyres and effigies of Congress leaders.
The vehicular traffic on all State and National Highways passing through Seemandhra region was badly affected. The buses of the state-run RTC remained off the road in all the districts of the Seemandhra region.
Meanwhile, universities and other educational institutions in Seemandhra post-poned various examinations in view of the shutdown.
There was a total shutdown of public activities in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, Ongole, Srikakulam, Kakinada, Rajahmundry, Nellore, Tirupati, Kadapa, Kurnool, Anantapur and other towns in Seemandhra.
Meanwhile, security measures have been beefed up across the region. Additional forces have been deployed in all the 13 districts to prevent any untoward incident. (INN)