Sakala Janula Samme: Hyderabad Bandh Peaceful

The Hyderabad Bandh call given by Telangana political Joint Action Committee (JAC) on day 18 of the ongoing Sakala Janula Samme went on peacefully. There was lukewarm response to the bandh, particularly in areas dominated by Congress and MIM, while it was total in areas where BJP and TRS have a strong presence. Though shops, business establishments, theatres and petrol bunks remained shut in most parts of the city during the first few hours, near normalcy was restored by 4pm.

Normal attendance was reported in all private companies as well as in IT firms at Gachibowli and Madhapur. None of the city schools, barring a few, functioned as they are closed for Dasara vacation. There were no signs of bandh in the vicinity of either sides of Musi river. It was another normal day for hotels and small establishments of Old City. Traders said since most of the people were busy with Dasara festivities, there was not much pressure either from the political parties or Telangana activists to enforce the bandh. Brisk business was witnessed in areas around Charminar and Secunderabad as shoppers made the most of the bandh call.

Most of the government offices remained shut for the day with employees continuing to stay away from work. The staff strength at secretariat dropped significantly due to lack of public transportation. Nearly 95% of the RTC fleet was confined to their respective depots for the 12th consecutive day. Private carriers, including jeeps and autos fleeced people, while the RTC management ran skeletal services on all major roads with police escort. However, the entire Telangana region remained shut for the 18th day in a row as part of the sakala janula samme.