The Hyderabad police beefed up security massively across the city, specifically in the area around Tank Bund, as the Telangana Joint Action Committee (TJAC) has called for a 'Million March'.
The first 'Million March' was held during the Telangana agitation for a separate state on March 10, 2011, and had jolted the Central government to take note, as the entire city had shut down.
While TRS activists had supported the march led by TJAC chairman Kodandaram at the time, the party is not as pleased this time.
Police denied permission to the TJAC for the march, which is also being supported by Left parties and various other organisations.
The police said that they would not allow the march to be conducted as it would disrupt the daily commute of thousands of citizens and also cause inconvenience to intermediate students, who are presently writing their exams.
Police personnel were also deployed outside Kodandaram's residence in Tarnaka, to take him into preventive custody and avoid untoward incidents.
“Like the rulers of the united state, who had attempted to crush a march by using police force, our own government is resorting to similar acts, creating panic among the cadre. The Chief Minister has claimed that he will fight in Delhi for the state but is not allowing the citizens of the state to fight for their rights in the city which is unfair. As the CM, when he can fight in Delhi, why can’t a common man fight for their rights here in the state? After denying permission for the march, police have been arresting TJAC leaders and cadre all over the state illegally. The state government should realise that they cannot repress the aspirations of Telangana citizens through arrests and illegal detentions,” Kodandaram said in a statement.
The TJAC also called on people to 'Occupy Tank Bund'. TJAC leader Palla Venkat Reddy told reporters, "We will would organise 'Aata, Paata and Maata' (Play, songs and talks) during the programme to protest against the anti-people’s policies of the state government."
Tank Bund closed for vehicles
Meanwhile, the Hyderabad Traffic Police said that traffic on the tank bund would be closed from 11 am to 5 pm.
"In view of Million March by TJAC in Hyderabad City and in order to maintain security, Traffic on the Upper Tank bund will be closed from 11 am to 5 pm," the police said in a release.
To ensure the free flow of traffic in the city, police said that restrictions and diversions would be imposed during this time.
While traffic coming from Secunderbad to Hyderabad will not be allowed beyond Karbala Maidan and will be diverted towards Kavadiguda X Road-Ambedker Statue-Ravindra Bharathi, traffic coming from Necklace Rotary will be diverted towards Gaganmahal-Indira Park. Traffic coming from Liberty and Basheerbagh will also be diverted.
"Therefore, the public are requested to start early, take alternate routes to reach their destination and also cooperate with the Traffic Police," the police statement said.