Suicide bid for united AP

Kurnool: Depressed over the stony silence of the Central Government though the people have been agitating for the last 49 days demanding the withdrawal of the decision to divide the state, Abdullah Khan, a small-time vendor, attempted suicide by setting himself ablaze here on Tuesday.

Abdullah Khan, belonging to Vaddera Street in the city, has attempted suicide by dousing himself with kerosene and setting himself ablaze. He shouted ‘Jai Samaikyandhra’ before attempting suicide, the local people said. Abudllah Khan was rushed to the government hospital with grievous burn injuries. His condition was stated to be critical. Meanwhile, the agitators continued their protest demonstrations in spite of the processions taken out carrying Ganesh idols for immersion in KC Canal.

In Kosigi in the district, a large number of people, students and women thronged the village from the neighbouring villages and raised slogans against the decision to divide the state.

MLA Balanagi Reddy, TDP leader BT Naidu and the leaders of various other parties have participated in the programme. The joint action committees of employees, teachers and journalists were also present. They said that they would fight against the bifurcation decision irrespective of the political affiliations. The leaders said that even in the state there was the dispute over Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (RDS) and if the state was divided there would not be even drinking water available for the district. Kosigi, which has been a faction-ridden village, has attracted the attention of one and all with all the people joining hands for the sake of the united state.

In Atmakuru, protesting against the remarks by Minister for Minor Irrigation TG Venkatesh, the integrationists here have taken out a rally denouncing the highhanded attitude of the minister.’ The agitators have burnt down the effigy of the minister. They warned the minister and his henchmen with serious consequences if they did not mend their ways.

The town unit of CPI and its affiliated AITUC protested against the policy of the party in dividing the state and announced its decision to support the integrationist agitation. The CPI activists in large numbers participated in the agitation on Tuesday.

The Srisailam constituency unit of TDP organised a motorcycle rally highlighting the problems the state would face in case of bifurcation. They burnt down the effigies of Ministers Erasu Pratap Reddy and TG Venkatesh.