The rush, the vibrancy and the hectic activity typical of Hyderabad are virtually back after nearly a month. With city buses, autos and private cars in full strength, the hustle and bustle began quite early in the day, progressing into traffic jams and increasing business activity.

Schools and college reopened after spells of closure due to the general strike and intermittent bandhs, rail rokos as well as the Dasara vacation. Small traders, retailers and big business houses heaved a sigh of relief as the approaching Diwali festival could bring in some cheer and light.

The general strike, which began on September 12, has seen the withdrawal first by the Road Transport Corporation after 28 days, then the Telangana school teachers and finally by the Singareni Collieries late yesterday night, has brought back life to the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

The power cuts for homes ranging from an hour to four hours in different parts of the region continued. The news that coal miners had joined duty and the daily output is expected to increase substantially from today, portends less power cuts for both industry and domestic in the coming days.

The State Government has been intensifying its efforts to get the State Government employees also give up their strike. The Telangana Joint Action Committee, which has seen a steady erosion in their ranks with the transport, teachers and coalminers withdrawal, was contemplating more focussed action in the near future to get home their demand for a separate state for Telangana to the Centre. A march to Hyderabad and dharnas in Hyderabad or New Delhi are on the agenda.

Sensing the impact of the 35-day strike for a separate Telangana, Seemandhra leaders are gearing up to put up their show of strength in support of a united State.

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