Agency bandh peaceful in Vizag

Visakhapatnam: The bandh observed in the Agency area in the district on Monday protesting the killing of TDP MLA Kidari Sarveswara Rao and former TDP MLA Siveri Soma by Maoists at Dumbriguda mandal of Araku Valley in Visakhapatnam district on Sunday, was by and large peaceful. However, high-tension gripped in the Agency areas following the bandh.

As part of bandh, the shops and commercial establishments were voluntarily closed. The APSRTC has not operated buses to 11 Agency areas from district headquarters fearing of untoward incidents. Private vehicles including auto-rickshaws and vans went off the road throughout the day.

With massive number of armed forces deployed in Maoist influenced areas, the tribals confined to their houses and even not ventured to attend their daily activities.      

The roads in Maoist influenced hamlets--Koyyur, Chintapalle, G Madugula, Dumbriguda and Paderu mandals wore a deserted look. The tourists at Araku Valley and Paderu areas suspended their visits to tourist places and returned to Visakhapatnam city. The tourists who reserved accommodations at Araku Valley cancelled their trips after the news of MLA and former MLA gunned down by the Maoists.

As the police launched the Naka-Bandi operations, the people who are supposed to attend various activities from plain areas, suspended their works. The schools and colleges announced holiday. The offices reported thin attendance due to lack of transport network. Meanwhile, the armed forces also conducted surprise checks at hamlets. 

After completion of final rituals of MLA K Sarveswara Rao and former MLA Siveri Soma, except the police and armed forces, no common people witnessed at Paderu and Araku Valley headquarters.