Bandh brings city to a standstill

Deserted roads, APSRTC services cancelled, closed petrol bunks, “out of service”ATM centres and cancellation of all major events — life was thrown out of gear for Hyderabadis this weekend. With the enforcement of section 144-A on Black Friday and the 48-hour bandh called by TRS, the city resembled a ghost town.
Afraid that the mounting tension will only escalate further, organisers cancelled planned weekend events in the city. One such event was the annual dance show organised by Shiamak Davar’s Institute of Performing Arts. Anand Pillai, manager, SDIPA, says, “Even though, the auditorium officials and cops gave us a green signal to go ahead with our Winter Funk show, that was scheduled for Sunday noon, we backed out a night before. We didn’t want to take a chance after the stone-pelting incidents on Saturday evening. The event has been postponed to next week.”
Multiplexes that usually schedule their special events for Sunday too backed out. Kishan from Prasads multiplex, says, “We opted to remain closed and call off all the activities that were lined up. We might open on Monday depending on the situation.”
Many who had plans of travelling out-station from the city, were left in a lurch as APSRTC cancelled their bus services. Ravindra Babu, regional manager, R.R. district, APSRTC, says, “We’ve called off the local as well as long-distance bus services because of the tension prevailing in the city. Services will not be resumed before the 48-hour bandh ends,” he added.
Worst affected were Hyderabadis who had difficulty getting to the airport as the shuttle services were cancelled. “We operated the aero express shuttle bus service till 11 a.m, but called it off as it was unsafe. The services will be resumed depending on the circumstances,” says a GMR spokesperson.