Normal life was hit across Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh as the bandh called by the students and Joint Action Committee (JAC) demanding immediate steps for formation of separate Telangana began this morning.
The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) suspended its services in the city fearing attacks by bandh supporters following which office-goers had a tough time in reaching their destinations.
Auto drivers and other private vehicle owners had a field day as commuters paid high fares demanded by them.
Petrol pumps remained closed at various places in the city since late last night. Schools, colleges, shops and other business establishments were shut in Hyderabad and Telangana districts like Medak, Nizamabad, Nalgonda and Karimnagar.
The bandh was called by students of Osmania University the nerve center of the Telangana agitation following the alleged suicide by a student in support of separate statehood.
The all-party JAC formed to spearhead the agitation supported the bandh to mount pressure on public representatives in Telangana region to quit their posts in protest against the Centre's stand on the issue.
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Meanwhile, students of Osmania University have kept the body of Venugopal Reddy, who allegedly committed suicide in support of Telangana demand in the varsity campus, and held a meeting hailing his "sacrifices" for the cause.
They are demanding that public representatives come to the varsity and pledge to resign from their posts to put pressure on the Centre to announce a time-frame for the formation of Telangana.