Student group calls for anti-Telangana protests

HYDERABAD - Andhra Pradesh is again witnessing protests and counter-protests over the demand for separate statehood to Telangana with a students’ body calling for demonstrations in universities in Andhra and Rayalaseema regions from Sep 21.

The Samaikhya Andhra students’ Joint Action Committee (JAC), which is opposed to the demand for bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, has called for protests to counter “increasing attacks by Telangana activists”.

The call comes on the heels of attacks on lecturers from the two regions at Osmania University here, the stone pelting on convoys of ministers and a massive protest by Telangana lawyers paralysing work at the high court.

JAC convenor Krishna Yadav told reporters at Nellore Sunday that Samaikhya Andhra or united Andhra flags would be hoisted in the universities Sep 22.

His announcement came a day after Congress legislators from Andhra and Rayalaseema called on Director General of Police Aravinda Rao seeking protection for people from the two regions settled in Hyderabad.

The legislators led by government whip Shailajanath voiced concern over the increasing violent acts by supporters of a separate Telangana against people from other regions.

The legislators have also urged Chief Minister K. Rosaiah to take steps to protect people of Andhra and Rayalaseema.

They referred to the incidents at the high court where Telangana lawyers, demanding 42 percent share in the posts of judicial officers, attacked court hall Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy.

The JAC leader said it was a matter of concern that Telangana students too were carrying out attacks.

They chased and manhandled teachers from the two regions at Osmania University here Aug 28, demanding that their examination papers be valuated by teachers from Telangana.

The Telangana activists were also accused of resorting to violence while protesting against the conduct of Group I examination of the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission Sep 5.

They disrupted the exam at a few centres, demanding the commission to reserve 42 percent posts for Telangana.

The pro-Telangana groups are also disrupting the visits of ministers and other political leaders from Andhra and Rayalaseema.

The convoys of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N. Chandrababu Naidu and at least two ministers were stoned by the activists in Telangana during the last few days.

Political analysts say the Telangana groups want to keep the pot boiling till the Srikrishna Committee submits its report to the central government by Dec 31.

The committee was constituted by the central government in February to study the issue after violent protests for and against a separate Telangana rocked the state for nearly three months.