Shut down cripples life in Andhra

Vijayawada, Jan 4 (ANI): Normal life was disrupted in the non-Telangana regions of Andhra Pradesh on Monday following a shut down called by the All Party Joint Action Committee (JAC) in support of a United Andhra Pradesh.

Schools, colleges, shops and other business establishments remained closed.

The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) suspended its services in all three regions of the state - Telangana, Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema as a precautionary measure.

The APSRTC,however, is operating buses going to the temple town of Tirupati.

"We called for a complete shutdown to send a message to the Centre that majority of people want a United Andhra Pradesh," said United Andhra Pradesh JAC convenor Prof Samuel.

In Vijayawada, former Mayor Mallika Begum was arrested along with supporters when she tried to lead a protest rally.

The United Andhra Pradesh JAC has urged the Centre not to make any hasty announcement.

The JAC is planning to hold a rally in favour of United Andhra Pradesh in Hyderabad also.

Meanwhile, the JAC has called to halt all the trains passing through the state on Tuesday to coincide with the crucial all party meeting convened by the Centre to discuss the Telangana issue in New Delhi. (ANI)