Bandh for SCS total in A.P.

The State-wide bandh called by the ‘Prathyeka Hoda, Vibhajana Hameela Sadhana Samithi’ demanding Special Category Status (SCS) for Andhra Pradesh passed off peacefully on Monday. It was successful as people from different walks of life joined the protest.

The bandh was supported by the YSR Congress (YSRCP), the Jana Sena Party, the Congress and the Left parties.

The TDP expressed solidarity with the supporters but did not directly participate in the stir. At some places, the bandh was marred by scuffles between the police and the agitators as the latter squatted on the road and tried to obstruct APSRTC buses where attempts were made to operate the services.

Forces mobilised

Police mobilised forces at many places as a preventive measure and took the agitators into custody in a few districts. The protesters entered into arguments with the police at Pandit Nehru Bus Station in Vijayawada and other places.

BJP leaders maintained that it was a State-sponsored bandh with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu calling for the protest and reiterated that 85% of the promises made to Andhra Pradesh have been fulfilled.

APSRTC operations were hit in Visakhapatnam, East and West Godavari, Nellore, Prakasam, Guntur, Srikakulam and other districts.

Except for medical shops, hospitals, milk booths and other essential services, business activities came to a standstill.