Agitation over Telangana re-ignites; Hyderabad shuts down

Hyderabad: It was a day when Hyderabad shut itself down, almost by force by the Andhra Pradesh police. The security personnel turned most parts of Hyderabad into a fortress to ensure the 'Chalo Assembly' call given by the pro-Telangana students did not succeed. Students were not allowed to leave the university campus, and one of them attempted self-immolation. But in the middle of all this, the politicians have kept mum. (Read & Watch: Police douse fire, student taken to hospital)

It was a tragic twist to the Assembly siege that was planned by students of Osmania University. When they were not allowed to set foot outside the campus by a virtual army of securitymen, a student called Yadaiah set himself on fire and suffered 80 per cent burns.

The University remains on edge, with several incidents of arson and violence reported from in and around the campus. (Watch: Students intensify Telangana protests)

Commenting on Saturday's incident, Vinod Kumar, Professor, Osmania University said, "I am requesting the students, please write your exams and struggle for Telangana. Don't struggle only for Telangana because life is very important for you.'' (Read: Osmania Vice Chancellor's car attacked)

The students are trying to keep their protests alive by shouting slogans and also singing songs. But the fact that today's agitation did not get any support from any political party is perhaps an indication of things to come. These protests will now be seen more as a law and order problem than a political issue. (Read: 300 Telangana students detained for taking out rally)

Much of Hyderabad, especially the area around the Assembly was turned into a fortress, with some 20000 policemen and paramilitary forces on duty. None of the tension outside was however, visible inside the House, where Chief Minister K Rosaiah was busy setting a record. He presented his 16th Budget. (Read: Hyderabad turns into fortress as students protest)

And as if on cue, all the MLAs kept their focus strictly on the facts and figures of the Budget, rather than the anguish and emotion of the cries for Telangana on the streets.

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