Telangana Fast Launched At OU

Students of the Osmania University Joint Action Committee (OUJAC) began their hunger strike for a separate Telangana state and for the deletion of Clause 14 (F) of the AP Public Employment Order 1975, today at the Osmania University campus.

About 100 students launched the fast at the Arts College amid much tension, with Section 144 having been enforced in the region, and with the police not allowing students inside the campus without identity cards.

The police had already taken several youth crossing over from other districts into Hyderabad, into preventive custody, last night. The preventive arrests had taken place in Warangal, Karimnagar, Nalgonda and other towns.

Some OUJAC members were also reportedly arrested.

Later, Telangana Congress leaders who were on their way to the Osmania University campus were stopped by the police and arrested. K Kesava Rao, Madhu Yaskhi, Manda Jagannadham and Jupally were among the politicians who were arrested.

In fact, Telangana leaders from other parties, including the BJP's Bandaru Dattatreya and the TRS' Etela Rajender and K Taraka Rama Rao, were arrested right at the Assembly, for starting to proceed towards Osmania University.

Youth have expressed anger at the police forces on the campus, and on their use of force on the agitators (there was a lathicharge today as well). Angry Telangana protestors are demanding that the government let them protest peacefully and to stop "provoking" them by the use of violence.

Chukka Ramaiah, and JAC Convenor Prof. Kodandaram were among those who were there to express solidarity with the fasting students.