In Andhra Pradesh, the Telangana March called by Telangana Political Joint Action Committee is in progress in Hyderabad while tension prevailed in the city following violent incidents. Several people have been injured in the clashes between agitators and the police at several places in the city. Thousands of people took part in the rally that began this afternoon at the Necklace Road near the historic Hussain Sagar, following a call given by JAC demanding immediate bifurcation of the state. Leaders of various political parties from the region also extended solidarity and took part in the rally. The water cannons used by police could not deter the agitators
AIR correspondent reports, violent incidents like pelting stones, setting fire to public and private properties and opening teargas shells have marred the Telangana March called by Telangana JAC today. Supported by leaders of almost all political parties from the region, scores of thousands of people marched to the Necklace Road on the banks of the historic Hussain Sagar in Hyderabad in support to the statehood for Telangana. Though initially denied, police have given permission to conduct the rally a day ahead of the commencement of prestigious international conference on biodiversity after a lot of persuasion from all quarters. Irked by restrictions imposed on the way to the venue, students and agitators have clashed with police at several places. Agitators have set fire and destroyed several vehicles including Doordarshan’s live telecast van, a metro railway station and a modern cinema theater. In retaliation, police opened teargas shells and resorted to lathicharge. Several people have injured on both sides during the attacks. However, the exact number of injured is still not clearly known as chaotic conditions prevailed as the rally is still underway. In a major shift from the earlier stand, the JAC leaders have now appealed to the agitators not to leave the venue till the Government announces statehood.
Meanwhile, thousands of police personnel are providing strict vigil to ensure peace and normalcy in the state capital. Director General of Police Dinesh Reddy has been monitoring and reviewing the situation from time to time through aerial survey. The state Ministers from Telangana region are also holding a meeting at present to review the situation. Earlier, citing operational reasons, the South Central railway has cancelled about 50 trains which pass through the Telangana districts and also Metro Rail services have also been suspended since morning.
