Tirumala bandh called off

By Our Special Correspondent

TIRUPATI, MARCH 29. The two-day old bandh at Tirumala hills by the local shop-keepers was called off tonight following a consensus between the traders and the TTD management after a day- long protracted negotiations. What clinched the issue was the announcement of a 15- member joint committee headed by the TTD's Executive Officer to go into the entire gamut of the ``locals problems'' and hammer out a mutually-acceptable solution.

While some shops have already opened, some would lift shutters early tomorrow synchronising with the commencement of the pre- dawn rituals in the temple.

What triggered the trouble was alleged excesses by the TTD staff during a surprise operation launched last evening to remove encroachments on and unauthorised occupation of the TTD land and buildings in and around the sprawling temple complex. The shopkeepers were furious over the ``ransacking'' of their tea shops, restaurants and kiosks even as they were trying to convince the authorities that they were not averse to cooperating with them.

The vendors and shopkeepers complained that the anti- encroachment team engaged in the operation removed the eatables and soft-drinks even as the pilgrims were consuming them.

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Section  : Regional
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