Telangana fire flares up in Andhra Day celebrations

Pro-Telangana activists went on a rampage in various parts of the region to disrupt the Andhra Pradesh formation day celebrations on Monday.

In an indication of the revival of the aggressive protests post December 31, the activists declared it as “ Telangana Betrayal Day” and hoisted black flags on public and private buildings.

Tension prevailed in many parts of Telangana as protesters tried to disrupt the official celebrations while hundreds of activists, cutting across party lines were arrested.

In Hyderabad, students of Osmania University (OU) made a vain bid to stop the convoy of chief minister K. Rosaiah at Ameerpet from reaching the NTR Stadium where the official celebrations were held. They were caned and detained.

The CM later hoisted the national flag and reviewed a colourful parade, which was held amid tight security. Police also took into custody students at Indira Park near the venue while they were trying to release black balloons.

OU, the nerve centre of the movement, turned into a war zone on Monday with hundreds of students taking out a rally in protest against the celebrations.

The students’ Joint Action Committee unfurled a black flag at the Arts College building. Later, holding black flags and wearing black scarf the students took out a procession to the Telangana memorial at Gun Park in front of the state assembly. An activist clashes with the police in Hyderabad.