Protests for united Andhra continue in Seemandhra region

Hyderabad: Protests continued unabated in the Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions of Andhra Pradesh today against the proposed division of the state. The pro-united Andhra supporters held rallies, sit-ins, fasts, road blockades, human chains across the two regions. Some outfits organised protests in a novel way like performing karate, organising community kitchen, enacting historical plays and ‘homam’ at roadside junctions. The indefinite strike by Andhra Pradesh Non-Gazetted Officers (APNGOs) Association, which begun on August 13, and also joined by the state-run APSRTC employees, continued. [caption id=“attachment_1042343” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational image of protests in Seemandhra. PTI[/caption] The employees are demanding that Centre withdraw its decision to form separate Telangana state. The employees union leaders at some places condemned the state government’s move to invoke provisions of Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA). The Finance Department of Andhra Pradesh government yesterday issued an order prohibiting with immediate effect strikes in the treasury, pay and accounts and works accounts wings for the next six months. Police yesterday foiled attempt by TDP legislator D Umamaheswara Rao to launch an indefinite fast at Vijayawada in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh and took him into custody. PTI