Police give nod to fast by Seemandhra MPs

The police on Thursday granted conditional permission for a two-day fast at Indira Park here to be undertaken by Seemandhra MPs from Friday demanding that the Centre stop bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.

The fast, ‘Sankalpa Deeksha’, coincides with the debate on Telangana Bill to be taken up by the State legislature.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Zone) V B Kamalasan Reddy, who accorded permission to Amalapuram MP G V Harsha Kumar and other lawmakers for conducting relay hunger strike, said in his orders that the fast should be held from 9 am on January 3 till 9 pm on January 4.

The organisers were informed that the permission will be cancelled with immediate effect if there was any move to disturb law and order. Participants were further directed not to make any provocative speeches/slogans at the venue.

The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill or Telangana Bill is to be debated in the Assembly from January 3.

The fast is being seen as a pressure tactic to push legislators from Seemandhra to move a resolution demanding that the Centre keep the state united.