Shutdown in Andhra to oppose statehood to Telangana

A shutdown is being observed in Rayalaseema and Andhra regions of Andhra Pradesh Friday to protest any move to divide the state. Educational institutions remained closed in Seemandhra, as the two regions are usually referred to, while shops and business establishments voluntarily downed shutters in some towns in response to the shutdown call given by Samaikya Andhra or united Andhra students' Joint Action Committee (JAC).

All colleges remained closed under 13 universities in the two regions. The universities have also postponed their post graduation counselling and exams due to the shutdown. Schools remained closed in Vijayawada, Guntur, Visakhapatnam, Nellore, Chittoor, Tirupati, Anantapur, Kadapa, Kurnool and other towns. The JAC has called for shutdown on a day when Congress core committee is meeting in New Delhi amid indications that it may take a decision on the demand for separate statehood to Telangana.

In Anantapur district, the bus transport service was affected due to the shutdown. Protestors staged sit-in at the depots of state-owned Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC). More than 800 buses could not come out of the depots due to the protest, officials said.

In the temple town of Tirupati, owners of shops and business establishments downed shutters voluntarily. Students took out rallies and staged road blockades in the town and other parts of Chittoor district. All educational institutions remained closed in coastal city of Visakhapatnam. Shops also remained closed in Guntur. Andhra region comprises nine coastal districts while Rayalaseema has four districts.