Violence at Osmania University campus ahead of Telangana March

HYDERABAD: Violence erupted at the Osmania University campus here today after pro-Telangana students clashed with the police when they were prevented from taking out a rally to join the ' Telangana March'.

Scores of slogan-shouting students broke the barricades on the campus and pelted stone at the police who retaliated by firing tear-gas shells while some students were also taken into preventive custody.

Pro-Telangana activists belonging to different students organisations wanted to be allowed to take out a rally to join the 'Telangana March', but the government had yesterday denied them permission to carry out any rally from the varsity.

Para-military forces were seen moving into the campus to bring the situation under control even as Telangana activists alleged that the police showed "high-handedness" by taking them into the custody.

"It (joining the Telangana March) is our aspiration," a Telagana activist said and held the police responsible for the violence.

The Telangana Joint Action Committee has organised 'Telangana March' later today to press for its demand for a separate state.