Gangavaram firing: Bandh call evokes mixed response

Visakhapatnam, Mar 28 (UNI) The bandh call given by the Telugu Desam and Left parties protesting the police firing at fishermen in Gangavaram village evoked mixed response today.

While there was good response to the bandh in suburban Gajuwaka town, near Gangavaram village, most of the shops remained open in residential localities.

Some shops were closed in major centres like Jagadamba and RTC Complex area. However, bus services were normal and students attending SSC examinations were not put to trouble.

Meanwhile, Reserve Police ACP M S S Appa Rao, who was seriously injured in the stone pelting incidents in Gangavaram yesterday, underwent an eye operation today.

One of his eyeballs was severely damaged forcing the doctors at the Government Eye Hospital to remove it.

A host of political party leaders made a beeline to the trouble torn Gangavaram village and consoled the residents. Police made elaborate arrangements in the city with patrolling teams making rounds regularly.

In Gangavaram village, hundreds of affected women sat in the middle of the road as part of the relay hunger strike demanding proper rehabilitation package.

Meanwhile, the police force in the city has been reinforced following the bandh. Entry to the village has been restricted in view of the arrival of TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu who is scheduled to arrive later in the day.

Picketing by party workers of various political outfits supporting the bandh caused traffic snarls at different places.

UNI XR PV RAI1355