Police beefs up security ahead of pro-AP meeting

With shadow of violence looming over the proposed 'Save AP' meeting here on September 7, police are making heavy security arrangements for peaceful conduct of the event to preempt any protests from supporters of Telangana.
Some pro-Telangana groups have threatened violent agitations against the scheduled Andhra Pradesh Non-Gazetted Officers' (APNGOs)-sponsored meeting at L B Stadium here as they were denied permission to hold a 'peace rally' on the same day.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner Anurag Sharma told reporters security has been beefed up to preempt any effort by trouble-mongers to disrupt law and order.
"To best of our ability, we will make sure no untoward incidents take place on that day (Saturday). I appeal to such organisations (pro-Telangana groups) not to take law into their hands," he said.

Sharma said pro-Telangana groups could apply for permission to hold rally on any day other than September 7.
"Based on our previous experiences (following violent protests during pro-Telangana agitations in the city earlier), permission was not given for the 'Peace Rally' of Telangana groups," the police chief said.

APNGOs Association, which represents Seemandhra employees, was granted conditional permission by police to hold 'Save AP meeting' from 2 pm to 5 pm and only those carrying identity cards will be allowed inside the meeting.
Prohibitory orders under Hyderabad Police Act have already been imposed in the city and heavy forces, including 45 platoons of Andhra Pradesh Special Police (APSP) and 11 companies of paramilitary forces, would be deployed soon, Sharma said, adding there is no dearth of forces.

Sharma also rubbished allegations that City Police purposefully denied permission to Telangana supporters for the event.
"There is no pressure on police from any quarters for awarding permission to APNGOs meeting," he said.