Protests Persist at Hyderabad Central University, Arrests Made
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Synopsis
On April 3, protests at Hyderabad Central University escalated as students opposed the auction of 400 acres of land. Police intervened, leading to multiple arrests as demonstrators demanded the government halt its plans and protect the green space.
Key Takeaways
- Protests continue at HCU against land auction.
- ABVP members arrested while attempting to enter campus.
- Students demand government action to protect environment.
- Telangana High Court issues order to stop tree felling.
- Over 40 JCBs deployed for land clearing efforts.
Hyderabad, April 3 (NationPress) The atmosphere at Hyderabad Central University was charged on Thursday as protests by various student organizations persisted against the proposed sale of 400 acres of land adjacent to the campus.
Members of the Akhila Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) attempted to enter the campus but were intercepted and taken into custody by law enforcement.
The demonstrators, who congregated at the main entrance, sought to breach the campus through another entrance, resulting in a confrontation with the police.
The authorities detained the protesters and transported them to a police facility. ABVP representatives have urged the Telangana government to retract its decision to auction the land located in Kancha Gachibowli and return it to Hyderabad Central University (HCU). They contended that the government is jeopardizing a critical green space in Hyderabad by clearing forested areas for sale to private enterprises.
The student coalition accused the police of employing excessive force while addressing what they deemed peaceful demonstrations.
HCU students continued their protest on-site, demanding the reversal of the state government's decision.
In a related incident, police apprehended members of student groups linked to Left parties as they attempted to march toward the State Secretariat to advocate for the preservation of the 400 acres.
Activists from the Students Federation of India (SFI), Progressive Democratic Students Union (PDSU), and other student factions approached the Secretariat, voicing their discontent with the government.
The protesters, displaying flags and banners, sat in the road. Police physically removed them and transported them away in vehicles.
Students from HCU, environmental advocates, and opposition parties have been rallying against the state government’s initiative to clear the land for IT park development. They have accused the government of harming the environment and are demanding an immediate cessation of all related activities.
The TGIIC has deployed over 40 JCBs to clear the area, which is home to numerous species of wildlife, lakes, and unique rock formations.
The students are insisting on the immediate withdrawal of the JCBs from the site and a formal commitment that the land will be officially designated to the university.
The state government asserts that it is government property and is being utilized to develop IT parks aimed at creating job opportunities for the youth.
The Telangana High Court issued a directive on Wednesday to halt the tree felling and other activities on the land.
This interim order came in response to Public Interest Litigations filed by HCU students and the Vata Foundation.
Student organizations claim that despite the High Court's ruling, bulldozers were still observed actively clearing trees.
The central government has also requested a report from the Telangana government regarding the clearing of the 400 acres near HCU.
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on Wednesday demanded a detailed report and an action taken report from the Additional Chief Secretary (Forest), Government of Telangana.
