Bandh passes off peacefully

Hyderabad, May 19 (UNI)The bandh, called by All India Majlis-e- Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and supported by the Communists, TDP and the TRS, inprotest against the bomb blast in the historic Mecca masjid yesterday, which left 16 dead and 50 injured, passed off peacefully through out the state today.

Normal life was badly affected in the city due to the bandh called by the AIMIM, supported by the Communist parties and the TRS.

Police said bus services were totally suspended in the sensitive old city area and shops were closed in most parts of the city. Buses were run upto the Afzalgunj area of the city bordering the old city.

The old city was deserted as the police blocked the roads and imposed restrictions on plying of vehicles.

However, in Secunderabad area, the bandh had little affect.

Attendance in government offices was thin. Most of the offices located in the old city were closed. Some departments had declared holiday. Some examinations scheduled for today were postponed by the Osmania University.

Paramilitary forces, RAF and Special Police were deployed in sensitive areas to prevent any untoward incidents.

UNI