Normal life in Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh continued to remain affected for the second consecutive day today due to the ongoing 36-hour ‘rail roko’ call given by the Telangana JAC in support of their demand for separate statehood.

In view of the rail blockade, train services across Telangana region came to a standstill and rail travellers were forced to face problems as South Central Railway (SCR) cancelled 55 express trains, diverted 55, partially cancelled 48 besides cancelling 222 MMTS or local train services and rescheduling other trains passing through various routes of the region.

The ‘rail roko’, organised as part of ‘Sakal Janula Samme’ (general strike by all sections), had begun at 6 a.m. on Saturday.

Activists of TRS, BJP and pro-Telangana groups led by their leaders continued their demonstrations and organised sit-ins on railway tracks and railway stations at several places in all Telangana districts and Hyderabad city.

Telangana supporters also organised ‘Vanta Varpu’ (mass cooking) and had lunch on rail tracks and platforms.

Telangana Political Joint Action Committee chairman Mr M Kodandaram announced that the ‘rail roko’ programme was a success and they would call off the protest by 6 p.m. today.

Meanwhile, the general strike entered the 13th day today with pro-Telangana organisations staging protests, carrying out rallies and organising human chains in Warangal, Karimnagar and other Telangana districts.

With the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) suspending its services in Telangana region as a precautionary measure, commuters had a tough time reaching their destinations.

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