Million March A Success: T-Leaders

Leaders of the outfits spearheading the separate Telangana statehood agitation on Thursday claimed that the Million March was a resounding success, even as they attempted to blame the police for the vandalism and violence which left statues of prominent Telugu personalities damaged, MPs and media persons beaten up, and public and police property set ablaze.

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) President K Chandrasekhar Rao, Floor Leader in the state Assembly Etala Rajender, Telangana Political Joint Action Committee (TPJAC) Convenor Kodandaram and Telangana People's Front President Gaddar stated that the March was a resounding success, and extended their gratitude to the people of the region for their participation.

Leading the pro-Telangana activists who had gathered at the Tank Bund dodging the numerous roadblocks put up by the police on the way, KCR vowed to intensify the separate statehood agitation till the Centre caves in and tables a bill in Parliament in favour of Telangana.

He and the gathering also vowed to continue their struggle till the Telangana dream is realised.

Speaking separately, Prof. Kodandaram demanded the immediate release of all Telangana activists and leaders who were arrested by the police as part of the attempt to suppress the March. The TPJAC Convenor added that the government put in its best to silence the people's voice, but failed. The success of the March will galvanise the Telangana movement, he stated.

Prof. Kodandaram also expressed regrets at the damage caused to the statues on the Tank Bund installed during the stint of former Chief Minister N T Rama Rao, and said that such vandalism was against Telangana culture. He, however, said that he suspected the vandalism to be the handiwork of plainclothes police personnel.

Prof. Kodandaram also expressed regrets at the attack on media persons covering the March.

As many as 25 cameras, 2 OB Vans were damaged, while 1 camera man was left injured.

Prof. Kodandaram also called on Telangana activists to observe restraint and not resort to violence.

Balladeer Gaddar also condemned the damage to the statues and the attack on media persons.

Courtesy: INN