Government employees in Seemandhra, Rayalaseema begin indefinite stir against bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh

HYDERABAD: Government employees in 13 districts of coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema launched an indefinite strike on Tuesday protesting the proposed bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.

With employees of Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) joining the strike, more than 11,000 buses remained confined to the depots affecting transportation not only across the region but also to the state capital.

Bus services to Tirumala Hills, the abode of Lord Venkateswara, also came to a grinding halt since midnight.

This was the first time in more than three decades that not a single bus plied to Tirumala Hills, sources here said.

Lending support to the striking employees and the agitating people, petrol station owners are voluntarily observing a 24-hour bandh since this morning.

Meanwhile, all sections of society in Andhra and Rayalaseema regions continued with their protests on the issue for the 14th consecutive day.

Normal life has been largely affected because of the people's agitation and employees strike in various districts of Seemaandhra region.

In Visakhapatnam, the Samaikhyandhra agitation launched by various Joint Action Committees (JACs) intensified with local APNGOs unit and RTC employees striking work.

Commercial establishments, big shopping malls and schools remained closed to protest the bifurcation.

RTC workers, who abstained from their duties, formed a human chain on the main road near Maddilapalam bus depot. According to RTC sources, nearly 1,063 buses in the district remained confined to nine depots.

Nearly 3,500 revenue employees are boycotting duties and taking active part in the agitation. About 56 government departments along with MPDOS, Andhra university staff and others have announced their solidarity to the strike.

About 30,000 employees of various government departments, educational institutions and others will take part in the stir.