Rail Roko: Carnival atmosphere at the tracks

Hyderabad, March 1 (INN): The Rail Roko call given by the Telangana Political Joint Action Committee for Tuesday saw train services across the twin city limits being disrupted, leaving commuters on the MMTS services inconvenienced and grumbling, while for the activists, it was almost a picnic atmosphere. The 'Rail Roko' call, as part of the agitations to press the Centre into declaring a separate Telangana state by tabling a Bill in Parliament saw tremendous response across the region. In the twin cities' limits, the pro-Telangana activists managed to throw rail traffic out of gear.

TRS, BJP, CPI and TDP activists along with their respective party leaders were seen squatting on the tracks right from dawn in various Railway stations. Railway stations at Falaknuma, Uppuguda, Malakpet and Kachiguda saw hordes of activists squatting on the tracks, raising intermittent 'Jai Telangana' slogans in support of a separate state.

For the discerning citizen, the atmosphere was almost carnival, with the activists trying to outdo each other in the slogan shouting. Some of the more vociferous activists were seen squatting, some lying down across the tracks, while some were seen sitting cross-legged and eating the food they had brought along with them.

Many activists had come clearly prepared to spend the day on the tracks. They had with them handkerchief, hats, caps and a few umbrellas were also seen. A few of the farsighted ones had brought with them mats so that their protest on the tracks would not be too uncomfortable.

The pro-Telangana activists at Falaknuma, Uppuguda, Malakpet and Kachiguda railway stations were seen raising slogans and cooking food on the tracks. Some whiled away the time by playing games and singing pro- Telangana songs.

The protestors were also seen having friendly conversations with the police personnel. The heavy police presence was in response to Director General of Police K Aravinda Rao's directions. The DGP had on Monday cautioned his men to be vigilant and prevent any attempt to damage tracks and signalling equipment.

Some police personnel were seen bringing firewood for the protestors to cook their meals and at some places, the police and the protestors were seen sharing the food. Despite the camaraderie, around 25 protestors were arrested and shifted to police stations. About 50 trains services to various destinations were cancelled.