HYDERABAD: Ahead of the Chalo Assembly rally announced by the Telangana Democratic Forum (TDF) and various political parties, the Osmania University (OU) campus turned into a battle field with clashes between police and students on Tuesday night. The police reportedly detained more than 30 students who are likely to participate in the rally.
On Tuesday night, a large number of policemen have been deployed on the campus and both the gates of university have been closed after 11 p.m. The police have reportedly detained students from Maneru hostel where they held a meeting to discuss about the rally. Situation on the campus remained tensed throghout the night. Similar situation was seen at Nizam college hostel as well.
Large number of people have been detained by the police in district centers also. After detaining several leaders and activists of Left parties in Warangal, Karimnagar and Adilabad, the police have intensified checking on the outskirts of the city.
Telangana Democratic Forum (TDF) consisting of various political parties, people’s organisations and activists, is organising a ‘Chalo Assembly’ programme in protest against fake encounters in Telangana. TDF has planned a massive rally from Sundrayya Vignana Kendram at Baghlingampally to the State Assembly.
“More than 10,000 activists from all districts are expected to participate in the protest march. While we have planned a peaceful protest, the government is unnecessarily creating tension and trying to instill fear among the activists. Thousands of activists and workers are being arrested in districts to prevent them from coming to take part in the Chalo Assembly,” said Chada Venkat Reddy, CPI Telangana secretary.
Besides Communist parties, various civil rights groups and minority activists are also participating in the Chalo Assembly.
‘’There is no permission for the ‘Chalo Assembly’ programme. We are taking all steps to ensure that agitators do not create any problem during the Assembly session,’’ said VB Kamalasan Reddy, DCP, Central Zone, Hyderabad.
‘TS government is acting in an autocratic way. It is unfortunate that the chief minister, who himself was an activist is trying to repress peaceful agitations. If police try to stop us, we will also use all our means to make the march successful. The government will be responsible for any untoward incidents,’’ said Amjed Ullah Khan of Majlis Bachao Tehreek.