Escalation of Protests at Hyderabad University Over Land Dispute
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Synopsis
On April 1, protests erupted fiercely at the University of Hyderabad, fueled by student groups, environmental activists, and opposition parties against the Telangana government's decision to bulldoze trees on a 400-acre land adjacent to the university for auctioning purposes.
Key Takeaways
- Protests intensified at the University of Hyderabad.
- Students and activists oppose land clearing by the Telangana government.
- Police detained numerous protestors during demonstrations.
- Opposition parties criticize the government's environmental policies.
- Security has been heightened around the university.
Hyderabad, April 1 (NationPress) Demonstrations by student organizations, environmental activists, and opposition factions escalated on Tuesday at the University of Hyderabad concerning the Telangana government's actions in clearing trees on 400 acres of land adjacent to the campus for auction purposes.
Members of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), and other groups assembled at the primary entrance of the central university to protest against the ongoing activities at the land located in Kancha Gachibowli.
Carrying their party banners and chanting slogans, the demonstrators attempted to enter the university premises but were repelled by law enforcement. Several protestors were detained and taken to various police stations.
BJP leader Chikoti Praveen, who came to express his support for the students, was also taken into custody.
The protestors aimed to march toward the site where officials had deployed bulldozers and earthmovers to prepare the land for auction aimed at developing multi-use infrastructure and IT parks.
Students continued their demonstrations on campus, insisting that the government reverse its decision as it threatens biodiversity.
This protest heightened tensions at the university, which has been experiencing unrest for several days.
Previously, BJP legislators were also detained by police as they attempted to visit the university from MLA quarters in Hyderguda. The police stated they did not have permission for their visit and subsequently detained them.
BJP floor leader in the Telangana Assembly, A. Maheshwar Reddy, was placed under house arrest.
Additionally, police forces have been stationed at the homes of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao, senior leader T. Harish Rao, and other leaders amid reports of plans to march to the university for the protest.
Law enforcement has heightened security around the university and the 400-acre site to avert any protests.
Opposition factions have accused the Congress government of jeopardizing the environment for financial gain. They also condemned the alleged excessive force used by police against the protesting students.
The government maintains that its intention is to attract investment to the state and asserts that the land is unrelated to the university.
On Sunday, police detained over 50 students when they attempted to disrupt the work forcefully and assaulted officials and workers with sticks and stones. The students were later released. Police reported that two individuals, identified as B. Rohit Kumar and Erram Naveen Kumar, were arrested and remanded to judicial custody.
Authorities have urged students not to fall for rumors circulating on social media. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Madhapur, Dr. Vineet, stated that the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) commenced development work on the land at Kancha Gachibowli, following a government order. 'There was no lathi charge on the students nor were any students removed from their hostels as falsely claimed,' he explained.
Police indicated that anyone who disrupts law and order will face legal consequences.
