UOH: Protest turned violent, police resorted to lathicharge

Protests by students and professors at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) turned violent on Wednesday. Police resorted to a lathicharge to disperse protesters opposing the Telangana government's plan to develop 400 acres of land in Kancha Gachibowli. At least 20 students are said to have been injured in the melee, some of whom required medical attention.

The march began peacefully

The protest, supported by the students' union, began with a peaceful march from the Ambedkar auditorium to the university's east campus. However, tensions flared when students attempted to break through police barricades to inspect the land, which they claim includes parts of the university's departments. Read more about the incident in Hindi.

Videos circulating on social media showed police using lathis on students, including women protesters. However, a police officer denied allegations of excessive force. He said, "We only stopped them from taking out a rally."

The university land is rich in biodiversity

The land is rich in biodiversity and has been a bone of contention between the university community and the state government. Students and environmental activists argue that clearing the land will cause irreparable damage to the ecosystem. “It is not just about the university land. It is about protecting Hyderabad’s greenery. We cannot allow bulldozers to destroy the little forest we have left,” he said.

An environmental activist said that those who tried to join the protest were stopped. According to students, the police had completely cordoned off the East Campus area. In response to this action, student unions have announced an indefinite boycott of classes. In which the immediate removal of police personnel and construction equipment from the campus has been demanded. Many students have also started an overnight sit-in outside the university's administrative block.

For more details, check the e-paper of Vaartha.