Normal life hit by coastal Andhra, Rayalaseema shutdown

A shutdown in coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions in protest against the Union Cabinet's approval of a bill for the division of Andhra Pradesh has affected normal life.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the YSR Congress Party and other United Andhra supporters organised protest in the two regions.

State-run Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) buses remained off the roads and shops and other commercial establishments and educational institutions remained shut.

The Andhra Pradesh Non-Gazetted Officers (APNGOs), the YSR Congress and Seemandhra TDP leaders gave separate calls for the shutdown against division of Andhra Pradesh.

Police and other security forces have been sent to the Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema areas to prevent untoward law and order disturbances.

Meanwhile, in Vijayawada, TDP MLA Devineni Umamaheswara Rao and his followers have been placed in police custody for staging protests at the Benz Circle in the city.

The Union Cabinet approved a bill for the creation of a Telangana state with 10 districts, paving the way for division of Andhra Pradesh, late last night.