Andhra CM asks police to handle protests carefully

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy Friday reviewed the law and order situation in the wake of protests in Seemandhra against the union cabinet's decision to carve out separate Telangana state and directed police to handle the situation carefully.

As protests rocked Seemandhra (Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra), the chief minister asked police to be on high alert and handle the situation carefully.

A statement from the chief minister's office said the situation was reviewed in view of the shutdown being observed in Seemandhra.

Kiran Reddy directed police not to use even rubber bullets. "However they should protect the government and private properties and maintain peace and tranquility without allowing violence," it added.

The chief minister reviewed the situation at a meeting attended by Chief Secretary P.K.Mohanty, Director General of Police B. Prasada Rao, Principal Secretary (Home) T. P. Das and senior police officials.