Sadak Bandh set for a showdown

• Large-scale arrests continue
• CM rejects T mantris' request for permission

Hyderabad: With the TJAC determined to go ahead with its 'Sadak Bandh' protest, despite denial of permission by the police, a showdown between the T activists and the law enforcing agencies is in the offing on Thursday (today). The police, on their part have deployed thousands of personnel all along NH-7 from Hyderabad to Kurnool, erected numerous check posts and resorted to large scale preventive arrests. The agitators made last-minute attempts to get permission from the Chief Minister meeting him directly and also lobbying through the T Ministers. Backed by the TRS, BJP, CPI (ML- New Democracy) and different pro-Telangana outfits, the protest is intended to keep the vehicular movement off the 190- kilometer long stretch of the highway � a vital corridor connecting Telangana with the Rayalaseema region for eleven hours (8 am to 7 pm) as part of a multi-pronged strategy to press for the statehood demand. The route falls mostly in Mahabubnagar district. Meanwhile the police officials indicated that they were working on alternative routes for people going to various places within Mahabubnagar and other districts. In all seven highway points were identified by the protesters for making their presence felt. Forces have already cordoned off the protest points in a bid to preempt the moves of the organizers. Some 2,500 activists were taken into preventive custody by the police in the Telangana districts, according to the TJAC leaders. All-out efforts were made by Telangana Ministers to prevail up on Kiran Kumar Reddy for grant of permission for the protest, but he turned it down bluntly. Home Minister P Sabita Indra Reddy also expressed her helplessness on this count. TJAC Chairman Prof Kodandaram has taken the responsibility of monitoring the protest at Alampur cross�roads. Some 22 MLAs and three MLCs representing political parties supporting the protest will spearhead the protest in rest of the centres including Shamshabad, Shadnagar, Jadcherla, Boothpur and Kothakota. The blockade on Varanasi- Kanyakumari (NH 7) will culminate in symbolic delinking of north with south affecting surface transport to almost seven states.