Activists block traffic on NH in Anantapur

Anantapur: Agitations continued on second day following the 72-hour bandh call given by the Sri Krishnadevaraya University Students JAC and other Samaikyandhra JACs against introducing  Andhra Pradesh State Reorganisation Bill-2013 to carve out Telangana state, in the region.

The SKU JAC activists blocked the NH-204 bet-ween Anantapur-Kadiri as part of the agitation.

Traffic was disrupted following the rasta roko by the SKU JAC.

Speaking on the occasion, JAC leader K. Sadashiva Reddy alleged that the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government was forcibly introduced the Andhra Pradesh State Reorganisation Bill-2013 without respecting the sentiments and aspirations of larger sections of people of the Rayalaseema region.

People are ready to teach a lesson to those parties supporting state division without considering woes of backward areas in the region, he stated.

Many educational institutes remained closed on Wednesday as part of protest in Anantapur, Kurnool and Kadapa districts.

Students JAC took out protest rallies at all parts of region demanding the Centre to reverse its unilateral decision on bifurcation of the state.

Members of Backward Class, Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and minority associations had burnt the effigies of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, party state affairs in-charge Digvijaya Singh and Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde at Clock Tower in Anantapur against their role in the division process.

Association leader B. Anjineyulu alleged that the Centre had showing apathy towards Seemandhra region and dividing the state with an eye on votes and seats in the ensuing general elections in 2014.

YSR Congress cadre staged a rasta roko at all parts of the region demanding the state Assembly to allow ‘Samaikyandhra resolution’ before taking up the discussion on state division bill.

The YSRC warned the government of serious consequences if it fails to reverse the state reorganisation bill.