Rail Roko: Carnival On Tracks

The 'rail roko' call given by the Telangana Political Joint Action Committee (TPJAC) on Tuesday saw train services across the twin city limits being disrupted, leaving commuters of the MMTS services inconvenienced and grumbling, while for the activists, it was almost a picnic atmosphere.

The rail roko agitation, which was called to press the Centre into declaring a separate Telangana state by tabling a bill in the Parliament, saw tremendous response across the region. In the twin cities' limits, the pro-Telangana activists managed to throw rail traffic out of gear.

TRS, BJP, CPI and TDP activists, along with their respective party leaders, were seen squatting on the tracks right from dawn in various railway stations. Railway stations at Falaknuma, Uppuguda, Malakpet and Kachiguda saw hordes of activists squatting on the tracks, raising intermittent 'Jai Telangana' slogans in support of a separate state.

For the discerning citizen, the atmosphere was almost carnival, with the activists trying to outdo each other in the slogan-shouting.

Many activists had come prepared to spend the day on the tracks. They had handkerchiefs, hats, caps and a few umbrellas with them.

A few of the farsighted ones had brought mats with them so that their protest on the tracks would not be too uncomfortable.

The pro-Telangana activists at Falaknuma, Uppuguda, Malakpet and Kachiguda railway stations were seen raising slogans and cooking food on the tracks. A few of them whiled away the time by playing games and singing pro- Telangana songs.

The protestors were also seen having friendly conversations with the police personnel. The heavy police presence was in response to Director General of Police K Aravinda Rao's directions. The DGP had on Monday cautioned his men to be vigilant and prevent any attempt to damage tracks and signalling equipment.

Some police personnel were seen bringing firewood for the protestors to cook their meals, and at some places, the police and the protestors were seen sharing the food.

Despite the camaraderie, around 25 protestors were arrested and shifted to police stations.

Around 50 trains services to various destinations were cancelled.

Courtesy: INN