In Andhra Pradesh, thousands of villages and towns remained cut off from power supply for the second consecutive day today due to electricity employees’ strike protesting bifurcation of the state.
The power crisis intensified with employees of Eastern Power Distribution Corporation joining strike today. Power generation at Srisailama Right Canal Hydal Unit and Vijayawada, Rayalaseema and Simhadri Thermal Units was almost stopped suffering huge power losses.
Rail and air traffic beside emergencies like medical services were badly hit due to lack of electricity. Air Terminal was managed with the help of generators in Visakhapatnam while few flights from Vijayawada were cancelled. South Central Railways cancelled several passenger and express trains which pass through Vijayawada division. However, the long distance trains were hauled through diesel engines and extra trains were operated to clear the stranded passengers at major railway stations on the division.
Meanwhile, employees of the Electricity departments have refused to call-off their strike. Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy is likely to hold talks with the striking NGOs the day after tomorrow. In Vizianagaram, the curfew may be relaxed for a short time tomorrow morning. District Collector Kantilal Dande told reporters in Viziangaram that curfew will be relaxed for two hours tomorrow to enable people to get essential commodities.
A total of 34 persons who resorted to violence during pro-united Andhra demonstrations were arrested so far. Curfew and shoot at sight orders are in prevalence in the district headquarters. Superintendent of Police Kartikeya said 28 others who indulged in violence were also identified and will soon be nabbed. 10 Deputy Inspectors General camped in Vizianagaram to monitor the situation and a large number of Rapid Action and additional Paramilitary forces were deployed in the city.
Despite severe hardships, people and state employees in Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra regions relentlessly continue their agitation protesting against the Union Cabinet’s decision to bifurcate the state. People of all walks of life continued to take part in public demonstrations in favour of united Andhra even as thousands of villages and towns in the 13 districts reeling under the power crisis with electricity employees striking work. The electricity employees strike for the last two days badly hit power supply to all major establishments and services including airports, railways, and hospitals and for supply of drinking water.
Hydal power generation reduced by half while thermal power dropped by two thirds in the regions which paved way for tripping of three major transmission lines. already crippled as the state owned road transport corporation employees were on strike for the past 65 days.
Meanwhile, demanding equal justice to Telangana and rest of Andhra, Telugu Desam Party president began indefinite hunger strike in Delhi. Protesting the bifurcation proposal, YSR Congress President YS Jagnmohan Reddy is on hunger strike for the past three days.
