Telangana issue: Curfew relaxed for 9 hours in Vizianagaram

VISAKHAPATNAM: With the situation further improving, curfew in violence-hit Vizianagaram town of the district has been relaxed for nine hours today to facilitate people to purchase essential commodities.

As the situation is returning to normal, authorities have decided to relax curfew for nine hours today from 7 AM to 4 PM to provide relief to the people of the town, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Vizag region) P Umapathi told PTI.

The curfew was clamped in Vizianagaram town on Saturday night in the wake of large-scale violence by anti-bifurcation agitators following the Union Cabinet's decision to create a separate Telangana state out of Andhra Pradesh.

The situation was totally under control and no fresh violence was reported since last five days in Vizianagaram town, the DIG said.

In all, more than 300 people suspected to be involved in violent incidents have been taken into custody, police said.

Police and paramilitary personnel, including members of the Rapid Action Force, continue to patrol the trouble torn city.

Vizianagaram District Collector Kantilal Dande also said that in view of the present peaceful situation, the curfew will be relaxed for nine hours today.

However, section 144 of CrPc will continue to be in force during the relaxation period.

Based on the situation and after a review meeting with with concerned officials, curfew may be lifted completely in the town from tomorrow, Dande said.