An undeclared curfew like situation is prevailing in most parts of the city of Hyderabad, while most of the business establishments downed their shutters by afternoon as a massive police force continued to maintain tight vigil at all the communally sensitive areas, as the news about the Ayodhya title suite trickled in on Thursday evening.
No untoward incident has been reported, though in some areas people resorted to panic buying of vegetables and other eatables, as policeman began ordering closure of shops and other business establishments.
Though the Government had refused to declare a holiday for educational institutions, most schools and colleges declared a holiday by afternoon and sent away students. Most of the cinemas too suspended the day shows though situation appeared normal.
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There is thin traffic even on the main roads, which otherwise would have witnessed chaotic traffic conditions. Though not declared officially, the State run Road Transport Corporation had curtailed the city bus services. However, local trains and the MMTS services were being run normally.
Tension was palpable in several areas as policemen began ordering closure of shops. Though situation was normal by any standard, the very action of police ordering closure of shops had itself led to a panic situation. At a couple of places in Mehdipatnam, overenthusiastic policemen beat up some people for questioning the rationale behind closure of shops.
Situation in 25 police station limits of the old city has been reported to be peaceful. Heavy contingents of RAF have been deployed in localities which have mixed population and by afternoon policemen have been discouraging people, especially youngsters from coming out on roads.
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Heavy checking of vehicles was taken up all over the city.