When Sonia Gandhi's effigies burnt during Telangana Bandh (Pics)

Hyderabad, Feb 19: The bandh called over Telangana by YSR Congress, TDP and other political parties is being observed in Seemandhra region of Andhra Pradesh today to protest against passage of the AP Reorganisation Bill-2013 in the Lok Sabha for the creation of a new state.

Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) bus services across Seemandhra region were hit due to the bandh, while educational institutions - government as well as private- remained closed in most parts. Shops and business establishments were also shut at many places.

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets and held rallies, demonstrations and formed human chains in different towns across 13 districts of Seemandhra condemning the decision to divide Andhra Pradesh and raised slogans against the move.

"The bandh has been peaceful so far and there were no reports of any untoward incidents. Bus services were affected in Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts with buses confining to depots," DIG (Visakhapatnam Range) P Umapathi told PTI.

"We are keeping a watch on the situation. Paramilitary and state police forces have been deployed at different locations, including public places, central government offices as a precautionary measure," another police officer said.

With PTI inputs

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets and held rallies

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets and held rallies, demonstrations and formed human chains in different towns across 13 districts of Seemandhra condemning the decision to divide Andhra Pradesh and raised slogans against the move.

Supporters staged dharnas in front of bus depots

Supporters of political parties like TDP, Congress and YSRCP staged dharnas in front of bus depots at Maddilapalem junction protesting against the bifurcation.

Educational institutions declared holiday

Almost all educational institutions declared holiday in view of the bandh. Most of the business establishments also remained closed.

Effigies of Sonia Gandhi were burnt

Effigies of Sonia Gandhi were burnt to stage protest against Lok Sabha passing the Telangana Bill on Tuesday.

Normal life was disrupted in the district

Normal life was disrupted in the district, as over 800 buses remained stationed in nine RTC depots.

OneIndia News