AP govt in SC against HC order to move out forces from Osmania

Andhra Pradesh government today approached the Supreme Court against the direction of the High Court asking it to move out paramilitary forces from Osmania University campus, the nerve centre of separate Telangana state movement.

The apex court, which posted the matter for hearing tomorrow, asked the state government to come out with the answer as to who permitted the stationing of para-military forces in the campus.

"Our concern is about the installation of tents and barricades in the university campus. It does not show a good sign," a Bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justices S H Kapadia and Aftab Alam said when the state government mentioned its petition for urgent hearing and stay of the Andhra Pradesh High Court order.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the state government, assailed the February 16 order saying High Court cannot order the removal of para-military forces from the campus which is the "hot bed" of law and order problem during the ongoing agitation for a separate Telangana state.

He submitted the police and para-military forces are there in the campus since December and everyday one or the other incidents are taking place due to the agitation for Telangana.

The senior advocate said stationing of para-military forces was necessary as the state government cannot meet the requirment of force for maintenance of law and order.

"The state government has to determine the forces needed," he said justifying the presence of para-military forces in the campus.