Protests continue unabated in AP over state division

Reports of public transport and private vehicles being burnt and damage to property came in from various places

The coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions continued to simmer today with protests continuing unabated over the Congress' decision to divide Andhra Pradesh.

Rallies, human chains, sit-ins and other forms of protest were a common sight in towns across the two regions though the situation remained by and large peaceful, except a few incidents of intervention by security forces.

Reports of public transport and private vehicles being burnt and damage to property and desecration of statues of some national leaders came in from districts like Vizianagaram, Chittoor, Guntur among others.

State-run Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) buses were prevented from plying and the protesters organised road blockades at several places.

Educational institutions and commercial establishments remained closed at several places as the pro-united Andhra supporters observed a shut down.

A report from Vijayawada said united Andhra supporters, who have been agitating on the issue for the past few days, would form human chains at Ramavarappadu Ring.

The electricity department employees were also preparing to lead a rally in the city.

In Krishna district, educational institutions were closed at Machilipatnam, Jaggaihpet and Nuziveed and also in many other small towns. The APSRTC employees there also decided to join the agitation.

A report from Kadapa said some Congress and TDP leaders were organising a rally in Jammulamadugu division against the division of the state.

In Anantapur district, the agitating students demanded ministers to resign from their posts and join the protest.

Doctors and nurses organised a peaceful rally in support of united state.Some youths set tyres on fire on roads in Old Town area of Anantapur as a mark of protest.

All government-run and private buses kept away from the roads today while petrol pumps were also found closed after serving a few hours last night.

Advocates boycotted duties today and resolved to continue the protest.

Police were patrolling in the city to maintain law and order.