More paramilitary forces rushed to Seemandhra

More paramilitary forces were rushed to Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra regions of Andhra Pradesh to deal with any situation in the event of the central government taking a decision to carve out separate Telangana state.

With UPA coordination panel and Congress Working Committee holding their crucial meetings in Delhi Tuesday to take a final decision on the contentious issue, more than 1,000 personnel of paramilitary forces were deployed in the towns to prevent any possible outbreak of violence.

Over 1,200 personnel were already deployed in major towns in Seemandhra (Rayalaseema and Andhra) last week to maintain law and order.

More central forces from neighboring Karnataka and Tamil Nadu were rushed to towns like Anantapur, Kadapa, Kurnool and Nellore, which are already witnessing protests against possible division of the state.

Police and central forces deployed for the ongoing panchayat elections have also been asked to remain in their respective areas till further orders.

The third phase of panchayat elections is scheduled on July 31 but the forces may remain deployed for a longer time, if the situation demands, police sources said.

Some personnel from paramilitary forces have also been deployed in Hyderabad as a precautionary measure.

The state capital, a part of Telangana region, has a large chunk of migrants from Seemandhra.

The union home ministry is in touch with the state authorities to monitor the law and order situation in the state.

In New Delhi, informed sources said that the home ministry has sent about 10 companies of paramilitary forces in addition to the forces already in the state to assist in the task of maintaining peace.

The sources said that 25 companies of paramilitary forces had already been placed at the disposal of the state government to help deal with any protests .