The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : ‘Old city turned into police base’

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Sep 13, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

‘Old city turned into police base’

MIM protests at meet to discuss Ramzan arrangements

Only suspected persons picked up for questioning, says Jana
Says such issues could be discussed at a separate forum

HYDERABAD: The issue of alleged rounding up of youth in old city for questioning by the police during the course of investigations into twin bomb blasts disrupted a meeting held to finalise arrangements for Ramzan festival.

Furious MLAs from Majlis-e-Ittehadul-Muslimeen (MIM) interrupted the proceedings insisting on a clear cut reply from Home Minister K. Jana Reddy, on the issue.

On not receiving any satisfactory reply, the three MLAs including Moazam Khan of Asifnagar, Ahmed Pasha Quadri, Charminar and Mumtaz Ahmed Khan from Yakutpura constituency walked out of the meeting.

“The month of Ramzan is for celebration but no family here is in right frame of mind to celebrate because of this. You have converted old city into a police base and there is absolutely no freedom for anybody. How can we celebrate?” asked Mr. Ahmed Khan before walking out.

Jana’s assurance

Mr. Jana Reddy, who chaired the meeting, insisted that such issues could be discussed at a separate forum and asked the MLAs to focus on arrangements to be made for the Ramzan season. “I assure you that no innocent will be harassed by the police. Only suspected persons like Bangladeshi nationals are being picked up for questioning. We need your co-operation to make Ramzan and Ganesh festival a success,” Mr. Reddy pleaded with the MIM MLAs.

Not satisfied with the reply, the three MLAs walked out from the meeting. TRS legislator Nayani Narasimha Reddy also asked the Home Minister not to target innocent youth of old city under the ruse of police investigations.

Meanwhile, representatives of various departments informed that all arrangements were being made for the smooth conduct of Ramzan.

Extra sugar

The Civil Supplies Department would be providing one kg of extra sugar in the old city. Apart from that, the AP Dairy Development Corporation officials have assured of continuous supply of milk in parts of old city during the one-month holy fasting period.

1-hour permission

The Government on Wednesday issued orders permitting Muslim employees to leave their offices one hour early during Ramzan month (from September 14 to October 13).

Employees and teachers can leave at 4 p.m. to perform necessary rituals during the month.

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