Security is tightened and prohibitory orders are imposed in Hyderabad in view of Wednesday's 'Telangana bandh' called to press for statehood to the region.
The shutdown has been called by the Joint Action Committee, a body consisting of various political parties. The JAC has demanded that the Centre immediately initiate the process to carve out a separate state out of Andhra Pradesh.
Police Commissioner B Prasada Rao warned of strict action against those resorting to violence during the bandh.
Over 8,000 police personnel, 112 platoons of additional forces (around 3,500 men), including anti-riot Rapid Action Force have been deployed in the capital, the nerve centre of pro-Telangana agitation, he said.
Prohibitory orders under Criminal procedure Code Section 144 have been imposed from Wednesday morning till January 6, banning assembly of five or more persons, sit-ins, rallies or public meetings, Rao said.
The Cyberabad police have also imposed prohibitory orders till December 31. Besides IT firms, pharma companies and several research institutions fall under the jurisdiction of the Cyberabad police. PTI
