Andhra on alert as govt gets close to deciding on bifurcation

Hyderabad: Police went on high alert in Andhra Pradesh Thursday as the central government moved closer to take a final decision on the bifurcation of the state by carving out a separate Telangana state.

An alert was sounded in Hyderabad and 13 districts of Seemandhra (Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra) as the central cabinet began a crucial meeting in Delhi to discuss the report of Group of Ministers (GoM).

The meet is likely to approve the draft bill for bifurcation of the state as the suspense continues whether the central government would take a decision to carve out Telangana state comprising 10 districts or Rayala-Telangana state by merging two of the four districts of Rayalaseema with Telangana.

Paramilitary forces were deployed in Seemandhra, especially Rayalaseema, which had witnessed massive protests since July 30 decision of the Congress Working Committee to carve out Telangana state.

As many as 70 companies of Andhra Pradesh Special Police and central paramilitary forces were deployed to prevent any untoward incident. Security was also beefed up around the residences of central and state ministers, MPs and state legislators.

Security was tightened in Anantapur and Kurnool districts, which are proposed to be merged with Telangana.

Director General of Police B Prasada Rao has directed top officials to keep a close watch on the situation.

IANS