Chalo Assembly: Police bandobust freezes normal life

The normal life came to a freezing halt in the entire Telangana region on Friday with the State police and government going overboard to foil the "Chalo Assembly" rally call given by Telangana Political Joint Action Committee.

The multi-level security cover to prevent the entry of pro-Telangana activists near the State Legislative Assembly crippled the movement of common people in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. By setting up over 75 check-posts on the city's outskirts, the police literally prevented the entry of private vehicles into the city since Thursday itself. Further, the movement of vehicular traffic on city's roads was made almost impossible by imposing restrictions on almost all main roads. All flyovers too remained shut since last night.

Train and bus services in the region were cancelled and all educational institutions remained closed. Curfew-like situation prevailed on some roads including Tank Bund and Indira Park which had the presence of only security and media personnel.

If permitted, the "Chalo Assembly" rally activities would have had been limited to a few areas or roads. However, by denying permission, the State Police and government not only caused much inconvenience to the common man, but forced the pro-Telangana activists to spill their protest in different parts of the city.

Despite unprecedented restrictions, some pro-Telangana students, displayed their determination and started coming out on roads, in small groups, since 8 AM, to march towards the Assembly. However, the activists were immediately taken into custody by the police for defying prohibitory orders.

Unfazed by the arrests of hundreds of leaders and activists across Telangana region, the Telangana Political Joint Action Committee had called upon people to gather at Indira Park, for the march. However, police erected barricades on all roads leading towards the Indira Park and even disallowed movement of pedestrians.

With the pro-Telangana groups determined to carry out the proposed agitation, entire Friday is expected to be full of political action, both inside and outside the Legislative Assembly.