The twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad were virtually shut down following the unprecedented security blanket thrown by thousands of policemen to foil the 'Chalo Assembly' call given by the Telangana Joint Action Committee (T-JAC).
Hyderabad was taken over by 30,000 police personnel fearing violence by the Telangana protagonists. Hundreds of activists were taken into preventive custody in the region since Thursday night.
The Legislative Assembly was completely fortified, as huge barricades and railings put up all round the premises. The approach roads to the Assembly were sealed off to prevent activists from coming close to the place.
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In view of security, Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy came to the Legislative Council at 7.30 am. Mr. Reddy reportedly travelled in a private vehicle leaving behind the official convoy. The convoy vehicles came to the Assembly a little later. Speaker Nadendla Manohar too came to the Assembly at 6.20 am and inspected the premises.
Assembly adjourned
The House proceedings were disrupted as the TRS MLAs did not allow the listed business to be taken up protesting the police action on the Telangana protagonists, prompting Speaker Nadendla Manohar to adjourn the Assembly for the day.
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Across the city, citizens were put to difficulties as many roads were barricaded. APSRTC buses were diverted to different routes in view of the protest rally. Some local trains and MMTS services were also cancelled.
Journalists were put to hardships as they found it difficult to reach the Assembly. Despite carrying valid accreditation cards and identity cards issued by the Legislature Secretariat, they had a tough time to gain entry into the Assembly.
TRS MLA Kaveti Sambaiah complained that he was forced to walk 4 km to reach the Assembly. TRS legislators told reporters that the Congress government had murdered democracy by imposing such restrictions.