Early 2011 Telangana protests

2023-06-17T14:28:05Z

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{{Use British English|date=January 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Telangana movement}}
The '''early 2011 Telangana protests''' refers to a chain of events that took place during the early months of 2011,<ref>[http://www.telanganastateinfo.com/kcr-history-on-telangana-movement-2001-2014/ KCR History on Telangana Movement 2001 – 2014]</ref> after the [[Srikrishna committee on Telangana|Srikrishna committee report]] was submitted to government of India. These protests are part of [[Telangana movement]]. The Telangana political JAC declared the launch of a non-cooperation movement throughout [[Telangana]], including the state capital at [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]], starting on 17 February. The plan was to request government employees not to work; people not to pay taxes or utility bills; people not to buy tickets while using public transport; to organise rallies; to block traffic on highways; and other measures. It is reported that Congress party's central leadership told Telangana MPs that it will take a decision on Telangana after assembly elections in several states in May. On 24 February, Telangana political JAC organised Egypt-like mass protests in Hyderabad beginning 10 March. Projections for number of people to be mobilised varied from one to five million. Protesters raised slogans of 'Jai Telangana', sang pro-Telangana songs, and played games. Protesters included activists of various political parties, students, government employees, lawyers, doctors, teachers, journalists, writers and cultural artists. 48 people were arrested for the vandalism of the statues. A Telangana leader said the incident show the hatred towards leaders of Andhra and he fears more such incidents if the central government further delays the process to carve out separate Telangana state. Osmania University students warned non-Telangana staff of the university to not pass on the identities of agitators to the police and warned them they could become targets if they did not join the agitation.

==Non-cooperation movement==
The Telangana political JAC declared the launch of a non-cooperation movement throughout Telangana, including the state capital at Hyderabad, starting on 17 February. The plan was to request government employees not to work; people not to pay taxes or utility bills; people not to buy tickets while using public transport; to organise rallies; to block traffic on highways; and other measures.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Telangana-political-JAC-to-launch-non-cooperation-movement/Article1-659196.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126192053/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Telangana-political-JAC-to-launch-non-cooperation-movement/Article1-659196.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 January 2013 |title=Telangana political JAC to launch "non-cooperation movement" |work=Hindustan Times |date=6 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://twocircles.net/2011feb11/noncooperation_movement_telangana_feb_17.html |title=Non-cooperation movement in Telangana from Feb 17 |date=11 February 2011 |publisher=Twocircles.net |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/14/stories/2011021459500100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110217153507/http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/14/stories/2011021459500100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 February 2011 |title=Telangana employees say they will not be deterred by ESMA |date=14 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-14/hyderabad/28540984_1_mine-workers-underground-mines-trade-unions |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106130116/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-14/hyderabad/28540984_1_mine-workers-underground-mines-trade-unions |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 November 2012 |title=Miners mull Spanish mode of agitation for Telangana |date=14 February 2011 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> Around 200,000 government employees in Telangana participated by boycotting work and holding rallies or playing sports at the workplace while TRS MLAs travelled ticket-less in local trains.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-17/india/28554051_1_telangana-region-trs-mlas-ticket-less-travel |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106133852/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-17/india/28554051_1_telangana-region-trs-mlas-ticket-less-travel |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 November 2012 |title=Ticket-less travel, rallies and sit-in: Non-Cooperation movement for Telangana |date= 17 February 2011|work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Govt-staff-join-non-cooperation/751491 |title=Govt staff join non-cooperation |work=The Indian Express |date=18 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Revenue-collection-hit-on-Day-1/articleshow/7518276.cms |title=Revenue collection hit on Day 1 of Non-cooperation movement |work=The Times of India |date=18 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref>

The Telangana JAC called for the shutdown of all services, except emergency services, in Telangana on 22 and 23 February.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-22/hyderabad/28624838_1_telangana-region-telangana-employees-seemandhra |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106131825/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-22/hyderabad/28624838_1_telangana-region-telangana-employees-seemandhra |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 November 2012 |title=Telangana political JAC aims to bring Telangana region to a halt for 48 hours |date=22 February 2011 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> Educational institutions, private and public offices, commercial establishments, industrial areas, private and public transport, and outpatient services in hospitals were closed as unions, organisations, and individuals actively participated in the strike by having rallies, hunger strikes, community meals on roads, and other protests. The strike was mostly peaceful barring a few incidents.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/23/stories/2011022359510100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110226201541/http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/23/stories/2011022359510100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 February 2011 |title=Life comes to standstill in Telangana ; All services shut; bandh called by TJAC largely peaceful |date=23 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fullhyderabad.com/hyderabad-news/telangana-bandh-day-2-transport-modes-shut-normal-life-paralysed-3668 |title=Telangana Bandh Paralyses Life |publisher=Fullhyderabad.com |date=23 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> The state government continued to lose Rs 8 billion per day in revenue due to the non-cooperation movement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-telangana-fury-is-costing-ap-rs-800-cr-a-day/20110224.htm |title=Telangana fury is costing AP Rs 800 cr a day ; 2.8 lakh employees are on a strike ; Situation is the same in hospitals, schools, colleges... ; 'The state will witness a financial emergency if...';Pressure to be built up on Congress, TDP MLAs |work=Rediff.com |date=24 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref>

===Protests in Assembly===

Legislative Assembly proceedings were disrupted by Telangana legislators on the first day of the budget session, as the [[Governor of India|Governor's]] address to the assembly did not include the Telangana issue.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Governor-gets-taste-of-T-fury-in-assembly/articleshow/7518690.cms |title=Governor gets taste of T fury in assembly |work=The Times of India |date=18 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> 22 MLAs and six MLCs from Congress boycotted the first day of the Assembly session.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-17/hyderabad/28554432_1_telangana-state-telangana-congress-mlas-budget-session |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106133905/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-17/hyderabad/28554432_1_telangana-state-telangana-congress-mlas-budget-session |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 November 2012 |title=Telangana Congress legislators likely to play truant |date=17 February 2011 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> Telangana proponents have criticised the alleged anti-Telangana behaviour of Governor [[E. S. L. Narasimhan]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.outlookindia.com/item.aspx?707906 |title=AP Gov Dubbed As 'Anti-Telangana', Recall Sought |publisher=News.outlookindia.com |access-date=2011-10-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715024844/http://news.outlookindia.com/item.aspx?707906 |archive-date=15 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> TRS MLAs had heated arguments and gheraoed [[Lok Satta Party|Lok Satta]] MLA [[Jayaprakash Narayan (Lok Satta)|Jayaprakash Narayan]] who had condemned the attack on the governor. One of them, K Vidyasagar Rao assaulted him first, followed by blows by the driver of another TRS MLA E Rajender who justified the attack.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/JP-deserved-attack-says-TRS-MLA/articleshow/7518703.cms | work=The Times of India | title=JP deserved attack, says TRS MLA}}</ref> TRS later denied they attacked him but questioned his respect for Telangana sentiments.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/article397894.ece |title=TRS denies attacking Lok Satta Party chief |work=The New Indian Express |date=17 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> On 18 February five MLAs were suspended for unruly behaviour and for manhandling the governor. Deputy Speaker N Manohar termed this as shameful for democracy.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/trs-tdp-legislators-suspended-for-hooliganism/articleshow/7524983.cms | work=The Times of India | title=TRS & TDP legislators suspended for hooliganism}}</ref>

===Incidents of violence===
In the first two days of the non-cooperation movement, the government lost {{Indian Rupees}}15 billion in revenue.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/rs-1500-cr-loss-state-tjac-stir-013 |title=Rs 1,500-cr loss for state in TJAC stir |work=Deccan Chronicle|date=19 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> On 19 February, Telangana protesters burnt down five buses and set fire to police tents in and around the [[Osmania University]] campus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_fresh-violence-erupts-at-osmania-university-campus_1510042 |title=Fresh violence erupts at Osmania University campus – India |work=Daily News and Analysis |date=19 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/19/stories/2011021964140500.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110226120834/http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/19/stories/2011021964140500.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=26 February 2011 | location=Chennai, India | work=[[The Hindu]] | title=4 buses burnt, tension in OU | date=19 February 2011}}</ref> On 21 February a march of Telangana students and lawyers to Assembly turned violent when they were blocked by security forces.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-22/hyderabad/28624399_1_ou-students-mmts-train-railway-station |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106131802/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-22/hyderabad/28624399_1_ou-students-mmts-train-railway-station |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 November 2012 |title=Rampaging students run riot |date=22 February 2011 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Telangana-protests-rock-Andhra-House--Osmania/752976/ |title=Telangana protests rock Andhra House, Osmania |work=The Indian Express |date=22 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> The police commissioner warned television channels against telecasting violence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/news/telangana-issue-police-warn-channels-against-telecasting-violence-news-national-lcvuEibbahd.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110226021329/http://www.sify.com/news/telangana-issue-police-warn-channels-against-telecasting-violence-news-national-lcvuEibbahd.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 February 2011 |title=Telangana issue: Police warn channels against telecasting violence |publisher=Sify.com |date=21 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> Telangana cable operators blocked out TV news channels owned by Seema-Andhra industrialists citing their alleged 'anti-Telangana' stand.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-22/hyderabad/28625047_1_cable-operators-news-channels-gemini-news |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106131818/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-22/hyderabad/28625047_1_cable-operators-news-channels-gemini-news |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 November 2012 |title=Cable operators black out Andhra news channels |date=22 February 2011 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> TRS leaders and activists attacked APTransco billing counters in [[Karimnagar]] town and pulled down tent of CPI(M) activists who were protesting on civic issues at the municipal office in [[Warangal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/karimnagar/trs-goes-rampage-581 |title=TRS goes on a rampage |work=Deccan Chronicle|date=25 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref>

On 22 February, at Ellapur railway station in Hasanparty mandal, trains were stranded for an hour after pro-Telangana agitators removed hook locks from the rail tracks. Pro-Telangana activists halted the Delhi-bound AP Express at Kazipet railway station for 15 minutes on the same day. Before the train reached Kazipet, a few students rained stones on the AP Express at Ellapur in Hasanparty mandal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/karimnagar/sporadic-incidents-mar-bandh-035 |title=Sporadic incidents mar bandh |work=Deccan Chronicle|date=23 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> As many as 114 cases were booked under Section 151 of the [[Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 (India)|CrPc]] and 1,978 persons were taken into custody.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/cops-students-have-pitched-battles-ou-099 |title=Cops, students have pitched battles in OU |work=Deccan Chronicle|date=23 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> Pro-Telangana students and lawyers ransacked the MMTS station on Necklace road and the reservation office was set afire. A car showroom was ransacked at Habsiguda and an attempt was made to burn a train at Jamia Osmania station.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/article399659.ece |title=Hyderabad feels Telangana heat ||work=The New Indian Express |date=22 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/article399839.ece |title=Telanga students ransack MMTS station | Necklace road|work=The New Indian Express |date=22 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> On 23 February pro-Telangana protesters set one bogie of the Kazipet-Manguru passenger on fire near Kesamudram railway station in Karimnagar district.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/karimnagar/t-agitators-burn-train-coach-kesamudram-311 |title=T agitators burn train coach at Kesamudram |work=Deccan Chronicle|date=24 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> Three buses of a private engineering college parked near Habsiguda were set ablaze by suspected Telangana activists on 24 February.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/article400915.ece |title=3 private college buses burnt at Habsiguda | private college|work=The New Indian Express |date=25 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> On 2 March, Pro-Telangana activists disrupted a film shooting by burning down the set.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/article1503286.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=Telangana activists disrupt film shooting | date=2 March 2011}}</ref>

Telangana universities, especially Osmania University, have had a heavy police presence since December 2009.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/08/stories/2009120855971100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091212082413/http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/08/stories/2009120855971100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 December 2009 |title=Agitators, police clash at Osmania university |date=8 December 2009 |access-date=2011-10-11 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> Telangana political JAC chairman [[M. Kodandaram|Professor Kodandaram]] alleged that police from Seema-Andhra region were very brutal towards Telangana students.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_telangana-issue-police-baton-charge-osmania-university-students_1348292 |title=Telangana issue: Police baton-charge Osmania University students |work=Daily News and Analysis |date=15 February 2010 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> The refusal of the police to allow students to organise rallies provoked pitched battles between police and students, and arrests of students, which leads to more protests.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_tension-in-ou-after-cane-charge-on-pro-telangana-students_1511915 |title=Tension in OU after cane-charge on pro-Telangana students |work=Daily News and Analysis |date=23 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> Police behaviour was criticised by human rights activists and by the High Court.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bombaynews.net/story/603051 |title=Court pulls up police for Osmania University incidents |publisher=Bombaynews.net |date=18 February 2010 |access-date=2011-10-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004235946/http://www.bombaynews.net/story/603051 |archive-date=4 October 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 21 February students hurled stones at the security personnel at Adikmet and Nizam College hostel at Basheerbagh area, forcing the police to use tear gas shells to disperse them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_telangana-student-rally-turns-violent_1510978 |title=Telangana student rally turns violent – India |work=Daily News and Analysis |date=21 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> Policemen reported that Osmania University students protesting for Telangana have used petrol bombs to target police personnel on duty at the campus.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/article400646.ece|title = Security men face uphill task, choke on tear gas}}</ref> Suicides continue to be a form of protests by Telanganites, despite appeals by various leaders, parties, and organizations to stop.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-21/hyderabad/28618801_1_suicide-attempts-lensman |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106133913/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-21/hyderabad/28618801_1_suicide-attempts-lensman |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 November 2012 |title=Lensman attempts suicide |date=21 February 2011 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/trs-denies-attacking-lok-satta-party-chief/581194.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110220121529/http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/trs-denies-attacking-lok-satta-party-chief/581194.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-02-20 |title=TRS denies attacking Lok Satta Party chief |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/16/stories/2011021656740900.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221203756/http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/16/stories/2011021656740900.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 February 2011 |title=Youth attempts suicide for Telangana |date=16 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_student-commits-suicide-for-telangana-osmania-univ-tense_1416864 |title=Student commits suicide for Telangana, Osmania Univ tense |work=Daily News and Analysis |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/08/01/stories/2010080162250400.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629030835/http://www.hindu.com/2010/08/01/stories/2010080162250400.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 June 2011 |title=Do not resort to suicide, students told |date=1 August 2010 |access-date=2011-10-11 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=PTI |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/article111983.ece |title=Assembly asks Telangana activists not to resort to suicides |work=The Hindu |date=23 February 2010 |access-date=2011-10-11 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKY8Fq2USnI |title=Telangana agitation Student attempts self-immolation (video). Viewer discretion needed |publisher=YouTube |date=24 February 2010 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNw4-Ubgzz8 |title=A student Self Immolation Attempt – Times now news clipping |publisher=YouTube |date=20 February 2010 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref>

===Protests in Parliament===

Telangana parliament members belonging to the ruling party protested in Parliament on 22 February for Telangana not being mentioned in the government agenda.<ref>{{cite news|author=J. Balaji |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/andhra-pradesh/article1478342.ece |title=Telangana Congress MPs disrupt President's address |work=The Hindu |date=22 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> They threatened to immolate themselves on Parliament premises if Telangana state is not created<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/congress-telangana-mps-threaten-to-immolate-themselves/articleshow/7559075.cms |title=Congress Telangana MPs threaten to immolate themselves |work=The Economic Times |date= 24 February 2011|access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> On 23 February, proceedings in [[Lok Sabha]] were paralysed when opposition parties joined Telangana MPs in protests. Twelve Telangana MLAs were suspended on 23 February;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/12-Telangana-legislators-suspended-from-AP-assembly/Article1-665773.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110225214157/http://www.hindustantimes.com/12-Telangana-legislators-suspended-from-AP-assembly/Article1-665773.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 February 2011 |title=12 Telangana legislators suspended from AP assembly |work=Hindustan Times |date=23 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> On 24 February, fifteen members of the ruling party from Telangana joined the protests.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/26/stories/2011022657500100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110302064925/http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/26/stories/2011022657500100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 March 2011 |title=State left red-faced by Congress MLAs in Assembly |date=26 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> [[Sushma Swaraj]], leader of the opposition in Parliament (Lok Sabha) and [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) leader, said "it was rare that eleven members from the ruling Congress wanted a discussion and they were being silenced. The Telangana issue can be resolved immediately if the Prime Minister simply announces in the House that a Bill supporting the creation of Telangana would be brought in this session itself. I promise you that our party, BJP and [[National Democratic Alliance (India)|our allies]] will support such bill."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://netindian.in/news/2011/02/23/00011209/telangana-protests-disrupt-lok-sabha-lead-suspension-mlas-assembly |title=Telangana: Protests disrupt Lok Sabha |publisher=Netindian.in |date=23 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxuGWPV4gzI%20Sushma%20Swaraj's%20speech%20in%20Lok%20Sabha%20suppoting%20Telangana |title=Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj's speech in Lok Sabha supporting Telangana |publisher=YouTube |date=22 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://164.100.47.132/newdebate/15/7/23022011/11To12am.pdf |title=Parliament(Lok Sabha) proceedings for Feb 23, 2011 at 11:30 am(page 901) |access-date=2011-10-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110703132707/http://164.100.47.132/newdebate/15/7/23022011/11To12am.pdf |archive-date=3 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Asaduddin Owaisi]], president of [[All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen]] party, remarked that his party will not allow or want Hyderabad to be made a [[Union Territory]]. He said that if Telangana is created, then Hyderabad has to be a part of it.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://164.100.47.132/newdebate/15/7/23022011/6To7pm.pdf |title=MIM's Owaisi says no to Hyderabad as Union territory in Lok Sabha debate on February 23, 2011 at 18:49 archives at http://loksabha.nic.in (in page 1626) |access-date=2011-10-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110703132736/http://164.100.47.132/newdebate/15/7/23022011/6To7pm.pdf |archive-date=3 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On 24 February, Telangana political JAC declared that the non-cooperation movement will continue until Telangana state is achieved. Their plans included rallies over the weekend, a rail blockade on 1 March, and [[2011 Egyptian revolution|Egypt-like mass protests]] in Hyderabad. They hoped to mobilise five million people from throughout Telangana in the second week of March.<ref name="ibnlive.in.com">{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/telangana-egyptlike-protests-in-hyderabad/144347-3.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110225085140/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/telangana-egyptlike-protests-in-hyderabad/144347-3.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-02-25 |title=Telangana: Egypt-like protests in Hyderabad? |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref name="T-JAC, TRS plan 'Chalo Hyderabad'">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-25/hyderabad/28633258_1_m-kodandaram-telangana-bandh-telangana-region |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020174515/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-25/hyderabad/28633258_1_m-kodandaram-telangana-bandh-telangana-region |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 October 2011 |title=T-JAC, TRS plan 'Chalo Hyderabad' |date=25 February 2011 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref name="gulfnews.com">{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/world/india/telangana-activists-plan-hyderabad-siege-1.767773 |title=Telangana activists plan Hyderabad siege |work=Gulf News |date=26 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> The police department is one of the departments which is not participating the non-cooperation movement. Employees of the office of the [[Medak district]] police superintendent joined the movement. The state police chief clarified that the protesting employees were office staff, not policemen. There are reports that policemen are contemplating joining the agitation.<ref>[http://www.dailypioneer.com/320114/Police-officers-staff-joins-Telangana-protests.html Police officer's staff joins Telangana protests] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708221533/http://www.dailypioneer.com/320114/Police-officers-staff-joins-Telangana-protests.html |date=8 July 2011 }}</ref> On 1 March a train blockade by pro-Telangana protesters, with a theme of "villages on railway tracks", paralysed train services throughout Telangana. Protestors cooked and played sports; and students held essay competitions on the railway tracks. Travel was difficult because the railways are the primary mode of transportation in India for long-distance travellers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/131198/india/telangana-rail-roko-agitation-paralyses-train-services.html |title=Telangana 'rail roko' agitation paralyses train services |work=India Today |date=1 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/andhra-pradesh/article1500229.ece |title=Telangana protests throw train services off track |work=The Hindu |date=1 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/article1501129.ece?homepage=true |title=Telangana stir throws rail traffic out of gear in AP |work=Business Line |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/article450881.ece |title=Telangana 'rail roko' hits aam aadmi hard |work=The New Indian Express |date=2 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref>

99 out of 119 legislators from Telangana, including those from ruling party, boycotted Assembly proceedings. Of remaining the legislators, 16 are ministers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/news/pro-telangana-mlas-to-boycott-ap-assembly-budget-session-news-national-ldcwaciifed.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019190621/http://www.sify.com/news/pro-telangana-mlas-to-boycott-ap-assembly-budget-session-news-national-ldcwaciifed.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 October 2012 |title=Pro-Telangana MLAs to boycott AP Assembly budget session |publisher=Sify.com |date=2 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-03/hyderabad/28650570_1_budget-session-telangana-mlas-boycott-assembly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106132059/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-03/hyderabad/28650570_1_budget-session-telangana-mlas-boycott-assembly |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 November 2012 |title=Telangana MLAs to boycott assembly |date=3 March 2011 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> BJP, CPI, and MIM legislators remained in the house.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.outlookindia.com/item.aspx?713678 |title=Pro-Telangana MLAs to Boycott AP Budget Session |publisher=news.outlookindia.com |access-date=2011-10-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715025235/http://news.outlookindia.com/item.aspx?713678 |archive-date=15 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On 3 March Parliament proceedings were disrupted whole day due to protests by Telangana MPs with the support of BJP members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/04/stories/2011030455490900.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307090901/http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/04/stories/2011030455490900.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 March 2011 |title=Telangana issue disrupts Parliament proceedings |date=4 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India}}</ref>

===Strike call-off===

On 4 March, Congress MPs from Telangana who were requested by party incharges to wait<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.outlookindia.com/item.aspx?713807 |title=Pranab, Moily Meet Telangana Congress MPs |publisher=News.outlookindia.com |access-date=2011-10-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715024918/http://news.outlookindia.com/item.aspx?713807 |archive-date=15 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> appeared in the Lok Sabha with black bands around their mouths to indicate that there was a gag order by their party leadership. Their refusal to remove those black bands caused the speaker to adjourn the house.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siasat.com/english/news/congress-telangana-mps-sport-black-bands-lok-sabha |title=Congress' Telangana MPs sport black bands in Lok Sabha |publisher=Siasat.com |date=4 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> On 3 March Telangana employees said they will not call off their agitation unless there is a firm assurance from the centre on formation of separate Telangana state.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/article451763.ece |title=Telangana staff in no mood to call off agitation ||work=The New Indian Express |date=4 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> The next day, the state government gave a written assurance to employees to press the centre for deletion of clause 14 (f) from the Presidential Order, removing free zone status to Hyderabad, and set up judicial commission to ensure strict enforcement of GO 610. The state gave assurances that employees will be permitted a delegation to the Prime Minister to request the division of the state.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/t-men-cooperate-681 |title=T men to cooperate |work=Deccan Chronicle|date=5 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/ap-t-staff-sign-accord-694 |title=AP, T-staff sign accord |work=Deccan Chronicle|date=5 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> Employees union said they will resume the non-cooperation movement after students exams are over in April.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/telangana-employees-to-launch-indefinite-strike-in-april/599837.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017223310/http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/telangana-employees-to-launch-indefinite-strike-in-april/599837.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-10-17 |title=Telangana employees to launch indefinite strike in April |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> after the Congress party's central leadership reportedly told Telangana MPs that it will take a decision on Telangana after assembly elections in several states in May.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/kcr-centre-misleading-mps-t-221 |title=KCR: Centre misleading MPs from T |work=Deccan Chronicle|date=7 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> Congress legislators from Telangana ended their boycott on 14 March, citing their responsibility to see the state budget passed.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/andhra-pradesh/article1537080.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=Telangana Cong MLAs end boycott of AP House | date=14 March 2011}}</ref>

==Million March 2011==

=== Preparations ===
On 24 February, [[TJAC]] announced that it will organise [[2011 Egyptian revolution|Egypt-like mass protests]] in Hyderabad beginning 10 March.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telanganastateofficial.com/million-march-telangana-movement-date-10th-march-2011/ |title=Million March Telangana|publisher=TelanganaStatePortal}}</ref> Projections for number of people to be mobilised varied from one to five million.<ref name="ibnlive.in.com"/><ref name="T-JAC, TRS plan 'Chalo Hyderabad'"/><ref name="gulfnews.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/article401577.ece |title=KCR threatens to do a Tahrir Square in Hyderabad |work=The New Indian Express |date=27 February 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> Some parents' associations and teachers appealed to the JAC to postpone the protest as the gathering of a "million" people might cause inconvenience to the students appearing for the ongoing Class X, XII and CBSE exams. Three days before the proposed march, the JAC chairman said that the march would not be on the scale on which it was originally planned, which included "laying siege" to Hyderabad, and the march would start in the afternoon instead of morning, in view of final exams to students in the morning.

Police issued prohibitory orders to prevent gatherings and set up check-posts at the district borders of Hyderabad, as no permission had been granted for the march.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/t-million-march-ban-orders-hyderabad-379 |title=National News India, Latest Indian News |work=Deccan Chronicle|access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=PTI |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/article1517605.ece |title=Telangana supporters to go ahead with protest on exam day |work=The Hindu |date=7 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/karimnagar/cops-alert-million-march-460 |title=Cops on alert for Million March |work=Deccan Chronicle|date=8 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> Police took a large number of activists into preventive custody including the Osmania University JAC president and put up barricades in all nine Telangana districts and on the outskirts of Hyderabad to prevent activists joining the protest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fullhyderabad.com/hyderabad-news/millennium-march-police-arrests-oujac-leader-etala-demands-release-3785 |title=Etala: Release OU Students' Leader |publisher=Fullhyderabad.com |date=7 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> TJAC chairman M. Kodandaram alleged that police arrested 100,000 people including 11,000 in Hyderabad; he asked, "People can protest in Egypt and Tunisia but not in Hyderabad?" He said the march needed no permission as it would be peaceful.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Hyderabad-braces-for-Telangana-million-march/Article1-671349.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110311203031/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Hyderabad-braces-for-Telangana-million-march/Article1-671349.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 March 2011 |title=Hyderabad braces for Telangana million march |work=Hindustan Times |date=9 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/1-lakh-arrested-across-telangana-tjac-035 |title=1 lakh arrested across Telangana: TJAC |work=Deccan Chronicle|date=10 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/karimnagar/cops-block-all-roads-capital-003 |title=Cops block all roads to capital |work=Deccan Chronicle|date=10 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> South Central Railway (SCR) cancelled four express trains and 43 passenger trains connecting various districts of Telangana with Hyderabad. Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) train service was suspended on three out of four routes in the cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad and the outskirts.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/10/stories/2011031057970100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110313080627/http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/10/stories/2011031057970100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 March 2011 |title=Police firm on stopping 'Million March' |date=10 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/47-trains-cancelled-hyderabad-sealed-foil-telangana-million-march-133 |title=National News India, Latest Indian News |work=Deccan Chronicle|access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref>

=== Day of the demonstration ===

On the day of the march, over 12,000 personnel from police and central paramilitary forces were deployed in the city. Traffic was diverted by police and no one was allowed to areas close to Tank Bund, the secretariat, Raj Bhavan, and the assembly. Students clashed with police when they were locked inside the Osmania University to prevent them from taking out a rally to Tank Bund. Police fired teargas shells to control the students.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/news/thousands-defy-government-march-for-telangana-news-national-ldkvajffhbe.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110313070814/http://www.sify.com/news/thousands-defy-government-march-for-telangana-news-national-ldkvajffhbe.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 March 2011 |title=Thousands defy government, march for Telangana |publisher=Sify.com |date=10 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> Several pro-Telangana leaders, including 50 MLAs belonging to the BJP, CPI, Muslim League, TRS, TDP, and Jamat-e-Islami parties and JAC convenor Kodandaram, were arrested as soon as they started their rally. The police arrested people coming to Tank Bund area until 1 pm. After 1 pm the activists started reaching Tank Bund in groups from different directions and outnumbered the police. The protestors uprooted barricades put up on both ends of the road, and by 3 pm thousands of protestors were gathered. Telangana agitators pretended to perform 'marriages' in the Arya Samaj building to slip into the Lower Tank Bund.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/t-men-fool-cops-wedding-350 |access-date=11 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110311213755/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/t-men-fool-cops-wedding-350 |archive-date=11 March 2011 }}</ref> BJP leader and Doctor J Bapu Reddy, along with four of his followers, travelled in an ambulance from Nizamabad to Hyderabad through the checkpoints to attend the march by informing the police that a "seriously ill patient" was being taken to hospital in Hyderabad.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-11/hyderabad/28679220_1_ambulance-hyderabad-nizamabad | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106132211/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-11/hyderabad/28679220_1_ambulance-hyderabad-nizamabad | url-status=dead | archive-date=6 November 2012 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=Nizamabad doc reaches Hyderabad in ambulance | date=11 March 2011}}</ref> Protestors raised slogans of 'Jai Telangana', sang pro-Telangana songs, and played games. Protestors included activists of various political parties, students, government employees, lawyers, doctors, teachers, journalists, writers and cultural artists.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/news/thousands-march-for-telangana-violence-mars-protest-news-national-ldktkmdeibc.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022183548/http://www.sify.com/news/thousands-march-for-telangana-violence-mars-protest-news-national-ldktkmdeibc.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 October 2012 |title=Thousands march for Telangana, violence mars protest |publisher=Sify.com |date=10 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref>

Telangana activists attacked pro-Telangana Congress MPs [[Madhu Goud Yaskhi|Madhu Yaskhi Goud]] and [[K. Keshava Rao]] by throwing slippers & water bottles citing their failure to resign in support of the separate statehood agitation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/nation/million-march-telangana-mobs-attack-statues-mps-hyderabad-struggles-608 |title=Million march: Telangana mobs attack statues, MPs; Hyderabad struggles |work=Deccan Chronicle|date=10 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> While the police estimated 20,000 people<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/article454581.ece |title=Trade union members indulged in violence: DGP | million march|work=The New Indian Express |date=11 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> participated in the march, the JAC estimate was 100,000.<ref name="news.in.msn.com">{{cite web |url=http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5018023 |title=Thousands defy government, march for Telangana |publisher=MSN |access-date=2011-10-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714131145/http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5018023 |archive-date=14 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The BBC reported a turnout of 50,000.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12699113 |title=India: Arrests before Telangana 'million-man' rally |publisher=BBC |date=10 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> At around 3:15 a student of Osmania university attempted suicide by consuming poison on Tank bund road, saying "Jai Telangana". His suicide letter said, "In spite of voting for them (public representatives), they could not succeed in achieving separate statehood for Telangana and my suicide is a reminder for them that people are willing to die for Telangana.".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-11/hyderabad/28679641_1_ou-student-suicide-note-poison |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927184126/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-11/hyderabad/28679641_1_ou-student-suicide-note-poison |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 September 2012 |title=OU student takes poison during March |date=11 March 2011 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> Doctors confirmed that his situation is improving.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-12/hyderabad/28683487_1_seemandhra-campus-bandh-ou | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106132218/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-12/hyderabad/28683487_1_seemandhra-campus-bandh-ou | url-status=dead | archive-date=6 November 2012 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=OU students vent spleen on staff from | date=12 March 2011}}</ref> Later protesters demanded that the police release all the leaders they arrested and bring them to Tank bund.<ref name="Telangana March: Warzone">[https://web.archive.org/web/20190101100745/https://epaper.andhrajyothy.com/AJ/AJYOTHI/2011/03/11/ArticleHtmls/11_03_2011_002_003.shtml?Mode=1 Telangana March: Warzone]</ref> Several patients in critical condition were locked out of the emergency ward of the Gandhi hospital for over two hours from 2.30 pm, following a flash strike by the doctors demanding the release of their colleagues who had been arrested by the police.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/docs-t-was-priority-358 |access-date=20 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110311213732/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/docs-t-was-priority-358 |archive-date=11 March 2011 }}</ref> Around 4 pm, after KCR and Kondaram arrived at Tank bund, all the participants in the rally vowed to fight for formation of Telangana state by saying a pledge.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/user/TalliTelangana#p/u/24/HEJhdEfRQRU |title=KCR in Million March – Telangana pledge |publisher=YouTube |date=24 May 2010 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref>

=== Destruction of statues ===

Pro-Telangana activists damaged 16 statues representing Telugu culture language on Tank Bund. They threw some of the remnants into the lake.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fullhyderabad.com/hyderabad-news/million-march-intensifies-in-hyderabad-statues-on-tank-bund-damaged-3823#tabs |title=Million March in Hyderabad: Statues on Tank Bund Demolished - Hyderabad News on fullhyd.com |publisher=Fullhyderabad.com |date=10 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/million-march-t-mobs-attack-statues-mps-hyderabad-struggles-178 |title=National News India, Latest Indian News |work=Deccan Chronicle|access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asianage.com/india/tank-bund-statues-thrown-lake-283 |title=Tank Bund statues thrown into lake |publisher=The Asian Age |date=10 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> The agitators used iron rods and ropes from the barricades put up by the police to uproot the statues.<ref>[http://newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/article454546.ece Pent-up anger led to vandalism]</ref> The agitators did not touch the statues of Nizam VI Mir Mahaboob Ali Khan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/hyderabad/statue-restoration-fuels-row-763 |title=Statue restoration fuels row |work=Deccan Chronicle|date=12 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> These statues were installed by state government in 1986.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eenadu.net/archives/archive-11-3-2011/panelhtml.asp?qrystr=htm/panel7.htm |access-date=20 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110316025956/http://www.eenadu.net/archives/archive-11-3-2011/panelhtml.asp?qrystr=htm%2Fpanel7.htm |archive-date=16 March 2011|title=New Page 2 }}</ref>

The protests were reportedly designed to deepen linguistic and political divides between pro- and anti-Telangana groups.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com">{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-11/india/28679912_1_pro-telangana-telangana-activists-statues | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106132227/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-11/india/28679912_1_pro-telangana-telangana-activists-statues | url-status=dead | archive-date=6 November 2012 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=Pro-Telangana mob dumps Andhra heroes' statues in lake | date=11 March 2011}}</ref> The police say the attack was pre-planned. Three TRS activists who in the early hours of 10 March burnt the statue of 'Telangana Talli' in [[Medak]] district were arrested.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/12/stories/2011031254710900.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629055254/http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/12/stories/2011031254710900.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=29 June 2011 | location=Chennai, India | work=[[The Hindu]] | title=TRS cadres taken into custody | date=12 March 2011}}</ref> The TRS MLA and son of Mr Chandrasekhar Rao, Mr K.T. Rama Rao (KTR), had said earlier that they would damage the statues on Tank Bund as most of them, according to him, were of people from the Coastal Andhra/Rayalaseema region.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/t-men-pull-down-statues-dump-them-lake-345 |access-date=20 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110311213801/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/t-men-pull-down-statues-dump-them-lake-345 |archive-date=11 March 2011 }}</ref> KTR in a speech in October 2010 gave an ultimatum to the government to install a statue of [[Komaram Bheem]], Telangana freedom fighter, on the Tank Bund or else the existing statues would not be allowed to remain.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-11/hyderabad/28679240_1_ntr-kcr-statues |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106132114/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-11/hyderabad/28679240_1_ntr-kcr-statues |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 November 2012 |title=His idol's idols lie in ruins |date= 11 March 2011|work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> Telangana proponents alleged that the Coastal-Andhra/Rayalaseema ruling class installed those statues intentionally ignoring prominent personalities from Telangana.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-13/hyderabad/28685273_1_telangana-region-statues-t-region |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105013056/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-13/hyderabad/28685273_1_telangana-region-statues-t-region |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 November 2012 |title=T votaries cry foul over 'neglect' of T contribution to Telugu pride |date=13 March 2011 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telangana.org/Papers/Article10.pdf |title=TELANGANA MOVEMENT: The Demand for a Separate State by K. Jayashankar (page 24) |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> Agitators set a police vehicle on fire and attacked a vehicle and crew of a TV channel broadcasting the mayhem<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/article454224.ece |title=Million March turns violent; Media, MPs attacked | Million March|work=The New Indian Express |date=11 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.123telugu.com/content/news/tank-bund-statues-thrown-into-lake.html |title=Tank Bund statues thrown into lake | Telugu Cinema News |publisher=123telugu.com |date=10 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707055007/http://www.123telugu.com/content/news/tank-bund-statues-thrown-into-lake.html |archive-date=7 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Nearly 30 video cameras and six photo cameras<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/article454550.ece |title=30 video, six photo cameras snatched, thrown | million march|work=The New Indian Express |date=11 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> belonging to six different TV channels were snatched, damaged, or thrown in the water. Many media persons were manhandled and some of them were injured.<ref name="rediff.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-desecration-of-statues-in-andhra-sparks-controversy/20110310.htm |title=Desecration of statues in AP sparks controversy |work=Rediff.com |date=10 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> The protestors looted<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com"/> and set on fire an ATM of Andhra Bank, a government office, and damaged the windows of a hotel.<ref name="news.in.msn.com"/>

The Chief Minister, Mr N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, had instructed the police to refrain from firing, fearing preventable deaths and consequent stirring up of emotions even further.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/cops-hold-firm-don%E2%80%99t-fire-318 |access-date=20 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110312014838/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/cops-hold-firm-don%E2%80%99t-fire-318 |archive-date=12 March 2011 }}</ref> Some Telangana leaders in the rally tried to stop the destruction of the statues and attacks on the media.<ref name="Telangana March: Warzone"/> It was also alleged that none of the leaders including Mr Chandrasekhar Rao, Gaddar or the BJP leader, Mr Bandaru Dattatreya, who were present at Tank Bund tried to stop the mob.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/cops-remain-mute-statues-topple-361 |access-date=20 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110311213727/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/cops-remain-mute-statues-topple-361 |archive-date=11 March 2011 }}</ref> Around 6 pm, the protestors began to leave the venue and by 6:30 the whole area became calm.<ref>[http://www.eenadu.net/archives/archive-11-3-2011/panelhtml.asp?qrystr=htm/panel2.htm Telangana March: details] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110316021859/http://www.eenadu.net/archives/archive-11-3-2011/panelhtml.asp?qrystr=htm%2Fpanel2.htm |date=16 March 2011 }}</ref>

=== Reactions ===

Top leaders of all political parties in the state condemned the vandalism. "At least now the government should install the statues of Telangana figures at the Tank Bund", it said.<ref name="rediff.com"/> Kodandaram, who visited Tank Bund in the evening after he was released by police, claimed that the march was a huge success.<ref name="news.in.msn.com"/> He demanded the immediate release of all Telangana activists and leaders. He regretted the damage to the statues and the attacks on the media and said that such vandalism was against Telangana culture. He suspected plain cloths policemen could be involved in the vandalism.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fullhyderabad.com/hyderabad-news/million-march-successful-attacks-condemnable-telangana-leaders-3826 |title=Million March A Success: T-Leaders |publisher=Fullhyderabad.com |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> 48 people were arrested for the vandalism of the statues. A Telangana leader said the incident showed the hatred towards Andhra people for their industrial might which did not give enough space for them to open industries and compete and he feared more such incidents if the central government further delays the process to carve out separate Telangana state.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/48-held-for-vandalising-statues-of-andhra-icons/145556-3.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110313025912/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/48-held-for-vandalising-statues-of-andhra-icons/145556-3.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-03-13 |title=48 held for vandalising statues of Andhra icons |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> The police came to the conclusion that the TRS, IFTU, CPI-ML New Democracy, Osmania University students, and the TRSV were behind the violence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/hyderabad/ccs-zeroes-top-t-men-864 |title=CCS zeroes in on top T men |work=Deccan Chronicle|date=13 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> Telugu scholars, poets, political leaders, and local residents mourned and offered homage to the statues destroyed in what was termed [[Buddhas of Bamiyan|Talibanic]] way. Kamalakara Swamy of Hindu Devalaya Parirakshana Samiti said, "These statues of saints like Annamacharya are like temples for us. How is the 500-year-old Srikrishna Devaraya statue concerned with the Telangana movement!”(Statue is 25 years old.<ref name="sify.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/news/row-over-re-installation-of-demolished-statues-of-telugu-icons-news-national-ldoo4hadebg.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317013751/http://www.sify.com/news/row-over-re-installation-of-demolished-statues-of-telugu-icons-news-national-ldoo4hadebg.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 March 2011 |title=Row over re-installation of demolished statues of Telugu icons |publisher=Sify.com |date=14 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> [[Krishnadevaraya|Srikrishna Devaraya]] lived 500 years back)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/hyderabad/city-mourns-toppling-statues-767 |title=City mourns toppling of statues |work=Deccan Chronicle|date=12 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/hyderabad/homage-offered-telugu-luminaries-927 |title=Homage offered to Telugu luminaries |work=Deccan Chronicle|date=13 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> The Maharashtra Telugu Manch (MTM) president said, "The destruction of statues on the Tank bund has hurt sentiments of all the Telugus. It is definitely sending wrong signals about the Telangana movement".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_telangana-vandals-face-all-round-flak_1518873 |title=Telangana vandals face all-round flak – India |work=Daily News and Analysis |date=11 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref>

Protesting the destruction of statues, people organised a 'padayatra'(a form of protest rally) on the Tank Bund Road and offered homage to the great personalities seeking apologies for the disrespect heaped on them. "They (Telangana supporters) can secure statehood. We have nothing against it. But this desecration of statues is totally unjustified. These great personalities are not confined to any region", Garikapati Narasimha Rao, a famous Telugu scholar said. "Even if 10 lakh bulls marched on the Tank Bund road, they would not have caused any harm to the statues", Jonnavithula Ramalingeswara Rao, a poet remarked.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/andhra-pradesh/article1542768.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=Telangana tumult deepens after statue mayhem | date=16 March 2011}}</ref>

President of Telangana Jagruti (the cultural wing of TRS) and daughter of K Chandrasekhar Rao, Kavita, in a Telangana "self-respect" rally warned the government against re-installing the demolished statues without installing the statues of Telangana personalities. She threatened that her activists will demolish the statues again if they were reinstalled before the creation of Telangana state.<ref name="sify.com"/><ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-15/hyderabad/28691099_1_statues-kavita-creation-of-telangana-state | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106132236/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-15/hyderabad/28691099_1_statues-kavita-creation-of-telangana-state | url-status=dead | archive-date=6 November 2012 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=Kavita threatens to demolish statues once again | date=15 March 2011}}</ref> Kodandram said he does not think the destruction was an act against the contributions of those figures. He said that the protestors were angry with the police for creating obstructions to the march and they directed their anger at the statues, which represented the Seema-Andhra. He denied any conspiracy to destroy the statues.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/article455724.ece |title=Statue destruction has made struggle stronger' |work=The New Indian Express |date=14 March 2011 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> Osmania University students warned non-Telangana staff of the university to not pass on the identities of agitators to the police and warned them they could become targets if they did not join the agitation.<ref name="ReferenceB"/>

==See also==
*[[Samaikyandhra Movement]]
*[[Vishalandhra Movement]]
*[[Telangana Movement]]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kasQPesOivg Prof Kodandaram on Telangana Movement Million march- Documentary]

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20131220113947/http://www.aponline.gov.in/quick%20links/hist-cult/history_post.html Official history of AP on AP government website]
* [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4139882072561017394 Video (30 minutes): ''Still Seeking Justice'' – A documentary on Telangana]

{{S-start}}
{{Succession box
|title=[[Telangana movement]]
|years='''February–March 2011'''
|before=[[Srikrishna committee's involvement in the Telangana movement|Srikrishna committee's involvement]]
|after=[[Mid 2011 Telangana protests]]}}
{{S-end}}

{{Coord|17.99|79.59|display=title}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Telangana Movement}}
[[Category:Protests in India]]
[[Category:Telangana movement]]
[[Category:2011 in India]]
[[Category:2011 protests]]
[[Category:Manmohan Singh administration]]

IndianPedia - User contributions [en]

Early 2011 Telangana protests