Shortly after the successful launch of the Mars Mission Orbiter at the space centre here on Tuesday, journalists, mostly those belonging to the electronic media, resorted to a flash protest as ISRO chairman K. Radhakrishnan arrived to address a press conference, and shouted slogans against the Centre’s decision to bifurcate Andhra. Pradesh.
They held aloft placards that read “Save Andhra Pradesh,” “Do Not Give Telangana” and “Jai Samaikyandhra.”
The protesters — nearly 20 persons — belonged to the Nellore and Sullurupeta areas. The sudden protest was apparently aimed at attracting the attention of national and international media, a large contingent of which was present. The ISRO chairman and his team, however, appeared to have had prior indication of the protest and were unfazed. Security personnel took charge of the hall even as the sloganeering mediapersons withdrew.