OU students, police clash in Hyderabad

The students of Osmania University (OU) on Wednesday clashed with police at the entrance of the campus protesting against the state government which refused permission to organise “Chalo Assembly” on Friday. 

Irate mobs pelted stones on the police posted at the gates, as they denied permission to take out a bike rally protesting government’s decision.

Earlier, the government ruled out permission for a march to the Assembly proposed to be conducted by the Telangana Joint Action Committee (TJAC) to press the demand for formation of a separate state. The state government said, “Since the march could lead to violence, no permission could be granted”.

Major Industries Minister J Geeta Reddy who is looking after Home portfolio during the budget session has made it clear that the government can't allow the “Chalo Assembly” march. The minister, said if the TJAC wants to hold a meeting on the city outskirts, the government may consider giving permission.

On Tuesday, ministers  the Telangana region met Chief Minister N Kirankumar Reddy and urged him to give permission for the rally. The chief minister, however, rejected the appeal, saying the rally could disturb the peace.

Meanwhile, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) once again appealed to the chief minister to allow the march.

TRS legislators submitted a memorandum to Kiran Kumar Reddy in the state Assembly on Wednesday. Bharatiya Janata Party and Communist Party of India have also requested the chief minister to allow the march. Even Telugudesam Party’s Telangana Forum has announced its support to the “Chalo Assembly” programme.

Meanwhile Professor Kodandaram, convener-TJAC has vowed to go ahead with the march even if permission is not accorded. The Osmania Joint association committee, Telangana Student Joint Association committee, Telangana Joint committee on Wednesday at a debate in OU said they don’t trust the Congress and called for a united no-political fight.

“We do not need any party support,” said Telangana Journalist union President Kappara Prasada Rao.

 Hyderabad Commissioner of Police Anurag Sharma said on Wednesday that additional paramilitary forces were summoned to assist the local police.

“Never before permission was granted to a march while the Assembly session was on,” he added giving reasons for not granting permission. Alerted by the Maoist letter supporting the march, the police increased checking of vehicles entering twin cities from Telangana districts by setting up 17 check posts.

The police also imposed prohibitory orders in twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad till June 18, banning meetings, rallies and processions. All bars and wine shops will also be closed down.