In Andhra Pradesh, thousands of villages and towns remained cut off from power supply for the second consecutive day on Monday due to electricity employees’ strike protesting bifurcation of the state. The power crisis gets deeper with employees of Eastern Power Distribution Corporation joining strike on Monday. Power generation at Srisailama Right Canal Hydal Unit and Vijayawada, Rayalaseema and Simhadri Thermal Units has been almost stopped suffering huge power losses.

Rail and air traffic and emergencies like medical services were badly hit due to lack of electricity. Air Terminal was managed through generator 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. However, extra trains have been operated to clear the stranded passengers at major railway stations on the division.

A total of 34 persons who resorted to violence in curfew ridden Vizianagaram during pro-united Andhra demonstrations were arrested so far. Curfew and shoot at sight orders are in prevalence in the district headquarters. IG Vikram Singh Mann said, 28 others who indulged in violence since Friday last, were also identified and they will be nabbed soon. 10 Deputy Inspectors General camped in Vizianagaram to continuously monitor the situation. A large number of Rapid Action and additional Paramilitary forces were deployed in the city.

Meanwhile, the Non-Gezetted Officers who were striking work for the past 65 days, have refused to come for talks with the Group of Ministers. They demanded that the talks should be held at the Chief Minister’s level. According to state officials, the talks may be held the day after tomorrow. Efforts are also on to bring the electricity employees to the table for talks.