Scores of students invaded city roads on Friday to voice their concern over the proposed bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh by the UPA government at the Centre.
Holding placards that echoed the all-pervading Samaikyandhra sentiment, they raised slogans against attempts to bifurcate the State. Large crowds of young marchers emerged from all directions. It was a hot day, but that did not deter the schoolchildren, who skipped classes to make their voice heard as part of the ongoing struggle for a unified State. The diversity of the demonstrators was striking. Students in white, green, yellow, orange, blue and pink uniform joined a collective ‘Samaikyandhra’ confluence that headed to the Sub-Collector’s office.
“We are not meant to just sit back and watch while it (the Government) destroys our future and deprives us of our rights,” said a few among the angry young mob. Girl students dressed as ‘Bharata Mata’ and ‘Telugu Talli’ lead the procession, and a few enthusiastic boys climbed over each other holding their placards high and raised slogans in support of their demand.
The massive rally culminated in a sit-in in front of the Sub-Collector’s office.
Chief co-ordinator of Educational Institutions’ Joint Action Committee and former MLC Chigurupati Varaprasad, management consultant M.C. Das, and Indian Medical Association president P.V. Ramana Murthy, among others, addressed the students and highlighted the significance of keeping AP united.
