Manyam Under Shutdown: 48-Hour Bandh Over 1/70 Act Protection
A 48-hour bandh is currently underway in the agency areas of Alluri Sitarama Raju district, with tribal organizations leading the protests. The bandh is primarily being observed to demand the protection of the 1/70 Act. Since morning, leaders from the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), left-wing parties, and tribal groups have taken to the streets, closing down shops and businesses. Due to the bandh, APSRTC buses have been halted across the district.
All RTC buses remain confined to depots, causing significant inconvenience to the public. Commercial establishments, MeeSeva centers, and banks have also shut down. In light of the bandh, authorities have postponed the ongoing Intermediate practical examinations. The streets have turned desolate, and police forces have been deployed to prevent any untoward incidents.
The protest was triggered by remarks made by Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker Ayyanna Patrudu during a recent Regional Tourism Investment Summit in Visakhapatnam. Ayyanna suggested that the feasibility of declaring tourist hubs as "free zones" should be examined to attract investments. However, tribal and people's organizations have expressed strong opposition, arguing that such a move would compromise the protections granted under the 1/70 Act.
The YSRCP has extended its support to the 48-hour bandh called by tribal and people's organizations. As a result, tourist spots in Araku and Paderu have come to a complete standstill. Left-wing leaders have urged all tribal and public organizations to support the bandh, while tribal leaders have appealed to the public to cooperate. Protesters have staged sit-in demonstrations on roads, blocking vehicular movement in several areas.
