The government said last week it would carve out a new state called Telangana from the northern portion of Andhra Pradesh. The decision sparked celebrations among supporters and protests from opponents. Twenty of the state’s 34 ministers and nearly 140 of 294 lawmakers have resigned, demanding the federal government reverse its decision.

On Monday, most trains and buses started running again and businesses and schools reopened across Andhra Pradesh following three days of violent protests against the government’s plan.

But student protesters took to the streets today and called a daylong strike, closing schools

and businesses and partially shutting down

train and bus service

in Vijaywada, Kadapa and East Godawari districts, police said.

Activists in northern Andhra Pradesh had complained it was underdeveloped and ignored by powerful politicians from southern Andhra Pradesh. Demands for a separate state have erupted sporadically since the 1950s.

More than a dozen parts of India also face similar movements.

Strike calls by ethnic groups were issued

today in two districts of northeastern state of Assam to demand the creation of new states.