Million March hit, Vandalism Regreted

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 president K Chandrasekhar Rao and party Floor Leader in the state Assembly Etala Rajender, Telangana Political Joint Action Committee 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 effort 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 statue on the Tank Bund, installed during the stint of former chief minister NT 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 and said that this should be condemned. As many as 25 cameras, two OB Vans were damaged while one camera man was left injured. Prof Kodandaram also called on the Telangana activists to observe restraint and nor resort to violence. He too echoed KCR’s demand that the activists and leaders arrested in connection with the March be released. Balladeer Gaddar also condemned the damage to the statues and the attack on media persons.