Samaikyandhra JAC calls for shutdown in Seemandhra

Groups opposing division of Andhra Pradesh have called for shutdown in Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra regions Friday to protest a resolution being brought before the union cabinet to carve out separate Telangana state.

Samaikyandhra (united Andhra) Joint Action Committee (JAC) has called for the shutdown amid reports that the cabinet was discussing a note prepared by the union home ministry.

A shutdown will be observed in all 13 districts of Seemandhra, as Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra are together known.

The groups demanding the central government keep the state united have called for 72-hour shutdown in some districts. Samaikyandhra Parirakshana JAC has called for 72-hour shutdown in Kadapa district. Anantapur and Kurnool districts JACs have also appealed for 72-hour 'bandh'.

Several towns in Seemandhra remained tense since Thursday morning in the wake of reports about Telangana resolution.

The protestors including striking government employees and students laid siege to the residences of central ministers and MPs demanding their resignations to mount pressure on the central government.

Protests against Congress' decision to bifurcate the state continued for the 65th day in Seemandhra. More than six lakh government employees, transport workers and teachers continued their indefinite strike.

Government offices and schools remained shut while buses of state-owned Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) are off the roads for nearly two months.