Police in Seemandhra region put on alert

HYDERABAD: With the Union Cabinet today approving the formation of Telangana state, the police in Seemandhra region (coastal Andhra and Rayalseema) of Andhra Pradesh have been put on alert as the region is simmering with anti-bifurcation agitations for the past two months.

A senior police official said acting Director General of Police B Prasada Rao today held a video-conference with district Superintendents of Police and senior police officers of Seemandhra districts.

"Instructions were given to the SPs to take care of law and order situation and be ready to thwart untoward incidents," the official told PTI.

The police were asked to be on alert in view of the massive ongoing agitations, the Brahmotsavam festival at the temple town of Tirumala and the forthcoming festival season, he added.

Additional forces, including central para-military teams, have already been deployed in the region after Congress took the decision to support the formation of Telangana state on July 30.

Sources said a communication from the Union Home Ministry had earlier asked the state police to be prepared, indicating that the cabinet decision was in the offing.