Hyderabad:
Hundreds of people in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh forced trains to come to a stop on railway tracks this morning as part of a massive protest that's aimed at pressuring the government to grant a separate state of Telangana.
The protestors included workers from different political parties- the TRS, TDP and BJP - along with villagers.
Trains were affected in Nalgonda, Warangal, Mahabubnagar and Hyderabad. Most trains entering the South pass through Telangana. 23 long-distance trains as well as local trains in Hyderabad have been cancelled.
Those organizing the
rail roko, led by the Telangana Joint Action Committee (JAC), have labelled the bandh 'Palle Palle Pattala Paiki' (villages on railway tracks). The committee has asked workers of all parties and villagers who live near the railway tracks to sit on the tracks from 6 AM to 6 PM.
The inspiration for the
rail roko seems to have come from the Gujjar agitation in Rajasthan which also saw them laying siege to the rail tracks there.
"If the Central Government does not come forward to introduce a bill in the ongoing budget session, then certainly we would go onto an indefinite mode of rail roko, just like the Gujjars.", TRS leader KT Rama Rao said.
At most railway stations, the state police and the paramilitary forces stood mute witnesses to the blockade. But Andhra's police chief has promised action. "Cases will be booked not only under IPC but also under the Railway Act. In fact, punishment under Railway Act are more strict than under IPC," K Aravinda Rao, the Director General of Police said.
The Telangana parties now plan to mobilise 10 lakh people in a show of strength in Hyderabad on March 10.
(with PTI inputs)