Andhra Gazetted officers' body withdraws strike

The govt employees, belonging to coastal Andhra and Seemandhra, had launched an indefinite strike in protest against the proposed bifurcation of state

The Andhra Pradesh Gazetted Officers Association (APNGOs) has withdrawn its two-month strike, following discussions with Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Thursday. The government employees, belonging to coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions (Seemandhra) had launched an indefinite strike in protest against the proposed bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. APNGOs representatives said they withdrew their stir following assurances from the chief minister that efforts would be made to vote against the resolution for bifurcation when it comes for consideration of the state Legislative Assembly.

Earlier, Panchayat Raj gazetted officers, teachers, employees of the state road transport corporation and staff of the power utilities, who hail from Seemandhra, had withdrawn their strike.

Meanwhile, YSR Congress Party leaders met governor E S L Narasimhan and urged him to convene a special session of the Legislative Assembly for passing a resolution against the bifurcation. The party will also hold Samaikhya Shankaravam, a public meeting in support of a united state, in Hyderabad on October 26.