Andhra government denies permission for Telangana march

The Andhra Pradesh government Wednesday ruled out permission for a march to the assembly proposed to be conducted by the Telangana Joint Action Committee (JAC) on Friday to press the demand for formation of separate Telangana state.

The state government said since the march could lead to violence, no permission could be granted.

Major Industries Minister J. Geeta Reddy has made it clear that the government can't allow the 'chalo assembly' march. The minister, who is looking after home portfolio during the current assembly session, said if the JAC wants to hold a meeting on the city outskirts, the government may consider giving permission.

The ministers from Telangana had Tuesday urged Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy to give permission for the 'chalo assembly'. The chief minister, however, rejected the appeal, saying the rally could disturb the peace.

Meanwhile, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) once again appealed to the chief minister to allow the march. TRS legislators submitted a memorandum to Kiran Kumar Reddy in the state assembly on Wednesday.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Communist Party of India (CPI) have also requested the chief minister to allow the march.

TRS and BJP are constituents of JAC, which has vowed to go ahead with the march even if permission is not accorded.

The police Tuesday imposed prohibitory orders in twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad till June 18, banning meetings, rallies and processions.