Kiran Kumar Reddy reviews security situation in Seemandhra

The Andhra Pradesh Non-Gazetted Officers (APNGO) Association began the strike as all central and state ministers, members of parliament and state legislators from Seemandhra did not resign as demanded by it to mount pressure on the central government.

APNGO President P. Ashok Babu said 4.25 lakh employees were participating in the strike.

"The employees are at the forefront of the agitation as they will be the worst affected by the state's division," he said and made it clear that the strike would continue till all the elected representatives quit to force the central government to withdraw its decision.

Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy reviewed the situation. He held a meeting with Chief Secretary P.K. Mohanty and other top officials at the state secretariat.

The CM, who was not coming to the secretariat since July 30, attended office Monday and Tuesday. He directed the APSRTC authorities and the collector of Chittoor district to make alternate transport arrangements for pilgrims visiting Tirumala Venkateswara temple at Tirupati.

The chief minister also directed the officials to make alternate arrangements to ensure that health, municipal services and electricity supply were not affected.