The twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad were virtually shut down following the unprecedented security blanket thrown by thousands of policemen to foil the 'Chalo Assembly' call given by the Telangana Joint Action Committee (T-JAC). Hyderabad was taken over by 30,000 police personnel fearing violence by the Telangana protagonists. Hundreds of activists were taken into preventive custody in the region.
The Legislative Assembly was completely fortified, as huge barricades and railings put up all round the premises. The approach roads to the Assembly were sealed off to prevent activists from coming close to the place.
In view of security, Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy came to the Legislative Council at 7.30 am. Mr. Reddy reportedly travelled in a private vehicle leaving behind the official convoy. The convoy vehicles came to the Assembly a little later. Speaker Nadendla Manohar too came to the Assembly at 6.20 am and inspected the premises.
The House proceedings were disrupted as the TRS MLAs did not allow the listed business to be taken up protesting the police action on the Telangana protagonists, prompting Speaker Nadendla Manohar to adjourn the Assembly for the day.
Across the city, citizens were put to difficulties as many roads were barricaded. APSRTC buses were diverted to different routes in view of the protest rally. Some local trains and MMTS services were also cancelled.
Journalists were put to hardships as they found it difficult to reach the Assembly. Despite carrying valid accreditation cards and identity cards issued by the Legislature Secretariat, they had a tough time to gain entry into the Assembly.
TRS MLA Kaveti Sambaiah complained that he was forced to walk 4 km to reach the Assembly. TRS legislators told reporters that the Congress government had murdered democracy by imposing such restrictions.
The government is going all-out to thwart the ‘Chalo Assembly’ programme being organised by the Telangana Joint Action Committee on Thursday. By declaring a holiday for educational institutions and closing all flyovers, it has taken unprecedented steps.
Large contingents of central paramilitary forces like the Border Security Force (BSF) have arrived in the city. They have been positioned at vulnerable locations in the city. Over 25,000 policemen belonging to both Central and State security forces have also been deployed.
Police have taken over all trunk routes leading to the Assembly by posting pickets at every 10 yards, in addition to putting up steel barricades a few yards before the Assembly. RTC buses plying via the Assembly road are being diverted to other routes.
“Depending on the advice of the police, the number of buses and trips too could be curtailed while services in all other routes are being regulated,” RTC officials said.
Half the MMTS services have been cancelled, especially those on the Secunderabad-Hyderabad and Secunderabad-Falaknuma routes. Trains will run on the Secunderabad-Lingampally routes though.
Still, police are on the edge since three groups of youngsters turned up at the Assembly in the afternoon, despite massive security. The startled policemen even evacuated inmates of the Nizam college hostel at Basheerbagh, which is located stone’s throwaway from Assembly.
On several occasions earlier, boarders of this hostel had taken to the streets in support of pro-Telangana agitations elsewhere in city or State.
Massive police presence and curbs all round has already had an effect with traffic movement on the usual busy Khairatabad flyover, Raj Bhavan road, Assembly, Basheerbagh and Nampally thinning down from evening itself.
The Cyberabad police on other side of the city also seem to be equally determined not to allow pro-Telangana activists from the surrounding districts to enter the city. Four DIGs, seven SPs, 40 DSPs, 100 Inspectors and 400 SIs are being deployed for security arrangements. Fifty-eight check-posts have also been set up at different points to inspect vehicles.
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